27.The Spiral: Learning and Reflection in Guidance - Helene Valgreen and Prof. Peter Plant, Denmark

27.1Key Issues

  • Learning theories by Kolb and Piaget introduced the circle metaphor. The research done by the presenter took these theories one step further to suggest that a ‘spiral’ has the potential to accommodate further aspects of career learning. In the spiral theory, the movement begins with regards to looking at one’s own story and reflecting on it, and then listening to others' stories. The keyword here is reflection. Stories and reflections continue to branch out into new networks that form a renewable spiral movement.
  • Collective narrative practice enables people to rediscover commonalities with other people and to contribute positively to each other’s lives. The role of the counselor in this process is entirely central, as the success depends greatly on the counselor’s own network.
  • This research presents an alternative to narrative practice, focusing on humanistic ideas and positive psychology, which permeate narrative practice in general and collective narrative practice in specific.
  • One of the fundamental characteristics of narrative therapy is the externalization of concrete problems: the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem. The problem must be seen in its context, and solutions and opportunities can be created collectively with the help of others. This can form the beginning of a collective movement where people contribute to each other’s development as well as the development of society.
  • A case study from India was presented where the individualistic idea of careers is questioned. Life is regarded as the progression through 4 stages that includes the individual, the family, society and ultimately humanity. Careers are not regarded as existing for personal gain, but there is collective gain for society at large. It goes beyond the self to a spiritual dimension where one is of service to humanity.
  • Collective narrative guidelines are built on the discovery of unique events where a given problem was not present where it normally would have. It makes it possible for people to articulate their individual stories that are shared and become part of the common story and social context. A shared timeline is created with different stories with the same theme. Ultimately a new story is written collectively.
  • These methods are used to assist in education and guidance in education. Research was done with 19 students, using narrative practices and timelines. A common document was created (a drawing) and personal stories as well as the common document were used to discuss how the students could contribute to each other and to the collective whole. The common document does not stop here but must be used to benefit the collective and here the counselor’s own professional network and role is indispensable.

27.2Conclusion

The role of the counselor in the 21st century is multi faceted and includes various roles. The spiral theory challenges goal oriented career counseling. It engages with positive uncertainty (Gelatt) where one is secure that they are not certain. This is positive in that it means that you are thinking and that there are alternatives to what is known. It goes against linear and rational traditional approaches. A linear, goal oriented approach is no longer sufficient, and reflection based on narratives can provide the basis for the development of new counseling methods.