As I read
through this article, I found that Bloch (2005) was right on target with her
statement, “…an understanding of relationships, subsuming structure and
function, is a more fruitful path to understanding all complex entities” (p.
195). I do believe that this is a true statement. As we see the person as many parts within the
whole, we to see that the advances in technology has helped to broaden the view
of the counselor and client relationship.
If we can use the databases that are available for both public and
private use, we broaden the network of resources that are available to our
client and to the clinician.
Bloch (2005) stated, “Investigations into complex
phenomena in both the physical and biological sciences have shown that an
understanding of relationships, subsuming structure and function, is a more
fruitful path to understanding all complex entities (p. 195). It then stands to reason that the more
connected we are and the more networking we can do, the more research we can
assist in finding a client the next step in their job search. In addition, this complex adaptive entity, a
theory that enables the clinician to look beyond the messiness in life without
discarding what on the surface may appear messy or random to the total picture
of what the client presents (p. 196).
As I began this week, I worked with a women who needed help with understanding how to manage time. As her midterm comes closer, she feels that she is behind but ahead. She feels overwhelmed with her work load and cannot seem to categorize her priorities, work schedule and school schedule. Though she is very organized and has the right tools (calendars, date planners etc.) she cannot seem to place things together. I found the article I read this week fascinating. Chaos Theory has four types of attractors, one which I will use in this blog. The three characteristic attractor patterns in this article are the point, the pendulum, and the torus attractors. Bloch (2005) refers to the torus attractor as characterized by complexity of influences and motion in regularly repeating patterns" (p. 45). My client was similar to the client described in the article, she was someone who "sought to control complexity and establish predictability and stability through classification, procedure, routine, repetition and organization" (p. 45). In short, lets eliminate all possibility of chance. What I found fascinating about this article, was the way in which Bloch (2005) utilized the metaphor of racing teams. In order to win, this client needed to understand that like the racing team, the team makes sure that the engine is finely tuned, the pit crews practices to insure the fastest time to change a tire (or other parts of the car), and the driver practices every turn of the race course before the race. In short the team does everything possible of that of which they can control. But they are also ready for anything that may happen. They practice for the unexpected. That is where this student had problems. She could not readjust when she needed to. "So it is with careers. It is not that collecting lots of information, investing options and understanding yourself are wasted efforts. It is however to show that useful as all such efforts and strategies might be, they are never sufficient to control the uncertainty of life and career" (Bloch, 2005, p. 45). For this client, she needed to know that not everything goes as planned, but it was how we handle the situation that was important. This seemed to work for her. She connected.
References
Bloch, B.P. (2005). Complexity, chaos, and nonlinear dynamics:
A new perspective on career development theory. The Career Development
Quarterly. 53: 194-207.
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