Facilitating Career Development Concerns of Gender Transitioning Individuals: Professional Standards and Competencies

Gender transition is a complex process that entails various psychosocial challenges, including career development, to transitioning individuals. Career development practitioners are required to be knowledgeable of the current professional standards and competencies of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health ( 2012 ) and the American Counseling Association ( 2010 ) to help gender transitioning individuals address career development concerns. In this article, the authors review these newly proposed professional standards for and competencies in working with gender transitioning individuals and highlight unique career development concerns of this population. Practical implications for career development practitioners are discussed.     

Using Sand Trays and Miniature Figures to Facilitate Career Decision Making

Sand tray therapy has earned status as a respected, often powerful, therapeutic modality. Counselors have used sand trays and figures for a variety of purposes with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. This modality can also be used to facilitate career decision making and related issues as clients create visual representations of their career history, goals, dilemmas, barriers, opportunities, resources, and options. The authors present an overview of the therapeutic use of sand trays and figures, a brief historical review, and a theoretical context. Recommendations for implementation with clients requesting career counseling are provided and illustrated.