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Introduction
The purpose of this article is provide assistance to career counselors working with clients experiencing a forced career transition. To provide this assistance, we will present a newly developed activity that career counselors can use with clients facing or experiencing a forced career transition. This activity is called the inclusive career genogram and combines a traditional career genogram with career construction theory, career style interviewing, and insights about diversity and inclusion. We propose that this activity can help clients persist beyond the current vision of their future self and encourage a client's positive attitude and persistence. This article will begin with the theoretical orientations behind the inclusive career genogram activity, then the activity will be explained, and finally, two client case studies will be presented which illustrate possible ways to use an inclusive career genogram. We have chosen to use inclusive language such as his/her/hir and she/he/ze as an important foundation for this activity and as a way to encourage readers to increase their understanding and capacity to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all clients.
Career Genogram
The career genogram is a relatively simple, yet deeply powerful activity that can be completed by clients to gather family and vocational information and history. This activity can also encourage trust and assist in building a positive working relationship between client and career counselor. To complete a career genogram, clients begin by drawing a diagram of their family, going back at least three generations if possible. The choice of including step-parents, step-children, etc., is up to each individual client and how he/she/ ze sees the formation of his/her/hir family. The next step is to fill in details about each family member, such as birth date, death date (if applicable), and occupation (Gysbers, 2006). During or after the completion of the career genogram, the client should be encouraged to share insights, thoughts, and feelings brought on by this activity, as well as any thoughts about different family members, relationships, and occupations. Additionally, discussion should be encouraged regarding how these thoughts or interpretations have influenced or affected the client's life and perceptions of role models, as well as influences, messages, and reinforcements provided to and perceived by the client in the area of career decision making.
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