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NICE Handbook8.4. Career Counselling as aSupport of Self-OrganisationChristiane SchiersmannAs we are faced with complex situations in the CGC process due to a complex world with rapidchanges, basic cause-effect models do not represent an appropriate basis for strategies, whichhelp people to take decisions, solve problems and to foster change. From my perspective asystemic paradigm, in the sense of a framework theory, is consequently a suitable answer. Systemicapproaches seek to identify patterns and rules, as well as the interplay between differentelements, rather than searching for mono-causal influences.The term “systemic” has become an in-word and covers many different approaches. In myfollowing arguing I refer to the theory of synergetics developed by Haken/ Schiepek (2010),a meta-theory which focuses on the self-organization of systems. From the perspective of Synergetics,the role of a CGC professional is to support clients’ processes of self-organizationregarding their careers. The relevant system of a CGC intervention depends on the situationof a person and her concern: It could be limited to the person, or could be a social system (e.g.an organisation). Similarly, the elements of the system can comprise intrapersonal factors (e.g.emotions) as well as interpersonal relations; again depending on the subject of the CGC intervention.The theory of Synergetics originated in physics in the late nineteen-sixties through the work ofHermann Haken who could explain the laser light as the result of the self-organized interactionof single elements (Haken/Schiepek, 2010). Next to a theoretical explanation, he provided detailedmathematical algorithms. Since then, the general approach of Synergetics has diffusedinto many other research disciplines which deal with complex systems, such as chemistry,biology, economics, sociology, electrical engineering, and psychology. In psychology, it so farhas received the greatest attention in regards to psychotherapy, but can easily be transferredfrom there to career guidance and counselling (Schiersmann/Thiel 2012b).A complex system is about the ultimately unpredictable, reciprocal cooperation of variouselements and processes forming synergies. According to Synergetics, processes of feedbacklead to the emergence of new orders or modified patterns (referring to cognition, emotionand behaviour). Due to processes of positive feedback, relatively small variations can triggerthe dormant change potential and thus lead to far-reaching effects. This concept is perhapsbest illustrated through the famous example from chaos theory, indicating that the flap of abutterfly’s wing can cause a fierce tropical storm. In other words, new orders form automaticallyas a consequence of the reciprocal interaction of various elements of a system. Hence, a‘self-organizing system’ does not have a central control system.Generic PrinciplesFrom the theory of self-organization of complex, dynamic systems and the findings of psychotherapyresearch, Haken/Schiepek (2010, 436 ff., 628 ff.) have derived so-called “genericprinciples” for (psychotherapeutic) interventions. The idea is that the continuous considerationof these principles substantially encourages and supports self-organizing developmentprocesses: the counsellor’s job consists of realizing these principles in order to create suchconditions that support the client’s self-organization. The generic principles can be consideredas criteria for high-quality counselling as well as ethical standards for responsible counselling.The generic principles are related to what is called “common factors” in psychotherapy research:empirical evidence on the most relevant aspects of successful therapies (Haken/Schiepek2010). Focusing on generic principles allows using and combining methods and proceduresfrom different counselling concepts (Haken/Schiepek, 2010, 440). The relation betweenmethods/techniques and generic principles is ambiguous: one principle can be realized usingdifferent specific methods, and one method can also serve the implementation of several principles(Haken/Schiepek, 2010, 440 ff.). The generic principles are not to be understood as aphase concept; however some of them are of more relevance in certain stages of counsellingprocesses. In the following I will explain these principles briefly (for more detailed descriptionsee Schiersmann/Thiel, 2012).◆◆Creating a stable environment for changeCounselling processes involve the destabilization of well-known routines and the transitionof patterns from the perspective of Synergetics. Therefore one of the CGC professional’s maintasks is to create a stable environment for the process of change and thus to generate structuraland emotional security for the client: Three main aspects are included in this principle:All steps creating a ‘safe place’ are part of the aspect of structural stability. This has to do with apleasant ambiance as well as the counsellor’s efforts to explain the proposed procedure includingcertain constraints (e.g. location, duration) and thus make it transparent. Also the qualityof the relationship between the consulter and the counsellor as well as the consulter’s trustin the counsellor (in his competency, credibility and emotional stability) is an issue referringto emotional security. Besides, the principle has to do with the support that the client derivesfrom himself, e.g. the experience of self-efficacy, access to personal resources.When implementing this generic principle, the core concepts of person-centred counselling,namely empathy, appreciation and congruency are of utmost importance. But it can also beshown by example, that an advantage of the general theoretical approach is that different stylesof communication can be integrated. A counsellor with a systemic background might offerdifferent perspectives of the situation for example, e.g. asking what the colleagues, the wife,and the parents would think about the situation being in the focus. A solution-focused counsellormight ask for exceptions from the problematic situation which is the reason for seekingadvice, in order to support the client’s self-esteem.Trends and Developments156 157