Client narratives, language and motivation

Client motivation matters. If practitioners work with clients who are willing to engage with the guidance process, and who are able to express their hopes for the future clearly, then it is more likely that the interview will be collaborative. As a consequence it is also more likely to feel constructive to both adviser and client. Many interviews, however, do not begin like that. Some individuals may be referred to see an adviser without understanding the reason for their referral. Some clients, for a variety of reasons, may feel that career guidance is somehow irrelevant to their needs. There may seem to be more pressing concerns; health issues, financial worries or at the other extreme, just plain disinterest. An important question for advisers working with reluctant participants must be how to create a collaborative exchange and how the building of motivation might be supported within and beyond the interview.