Processes and outcomes of individual career counselling for different types of clients: a latent profile analysis replication and extension

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the processes and outcomes of individual career counselling for 111 university students in Québec (Canada) who received an average of 3.19 sessions. We identified two profiles of clients at the beginning of counselling: (a) Clients with moderate levels of career indecision and distress, and (b) clients with high levels of indecision and distress. Clients in the Undecided/Distressed profile evaluated the working alliance lower than did clients in the other profile. Both profiles did not differ in the magnitude of pretest to posttest change on career indecision and psychological distress. Clients in the Undecided/Distressed profile expressed more indecision and distress at posttest than did clients in the other profile. Working alliance mediated the relationship between profile membership and outcomes at posttest.