The Guidance Room - Georg

Georg has experienced a serious injury that prevents him from continuing both his previous work and his main interest. This case illustrates how guidance practitioners can work with strong emotions, identity challenges and limited perceived opportunities.

About the Case

Georg has experienced a serious injury that prevents him from continuing both his previous work and his main interest. His future plans have changed, and he feels frustrated, ashamed and uncertain about what to do next.

This case illustrates how guidance practitioners can work with strong emotions, identity challenges and limited perceived opportunities.

Suggested approach

1. Start with Episode 1
Identify the main challenges and key aspects of the situation.

  • What stands out? 
  • What seems most important at this stage? 
  • What would you focus on as a career counselor or career guidance practitioner


2.  Watch Episode 2
Observe how the practitioner approaches the situation.

  • What methods are used? 
  • How is the conversation structured? 
  • How does the practitioner respond to the guidance seeker? 


3. Work with the reflection questions
Use the questions to deepen your analysis.

  • What works well? 
  • What would you have done differently? 
  • What dilemmas or considerations arise? 

Background: Career Guidance for Adults and Students in Higher Education in Norway 

Adults in Norway can access career guidance through public career centres (karrieresentre), adult education centres, the Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav), higher education institutions, and community-based services. 

Career centres offer free guidance to residents of all ages. Services may include: 

  • support with educational and career choices 
  • understanding job opportunities and labour market transitions 
  • skills mapping and recognition of prior learning 
  • CV and application support 
  • group sessions, workshops and digital services 

Students in higher education may also receive career guidance at their institution. Support is available for exploring study pathways, job opportunities, motivation, and transitions between education and work. 

The Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) has a public website in Norwegian for information about education and work at Utdanning.no, and offers digital career guidance at Karriereveiledning.no, which is free and available to the entire population. 

1

Episode 1: Meet Georg

Meet Georg

Reflection Questions

After Watching Episode 1, reflect together:

  1. What career-related challenges Georg face? 
  2. Is there anything in Georg's situation that you recognise from your own guidance practice? 
2

Episode 2: The guidance session with Georg

Join the guidance session with Georg

The three guidance moments focus on:

  • Holdning Space for Emotions
  • Challenging Self-Perception
  • Finding Your Place


Reflect together:

  • How would you guide Georg? 
  • The session shows only brief moments from a full guidance conversation. Is there anything else you think should have been said or done? 

Reflection Questions

After Watching Episode 2

Use these questions to explore key aspects of the guidance process together:

  • How does the guidance practitioner respond to strong emotions? 
  • How are anger and resistance addressed? 
  • How is support balanced with challenge? 
  • What alternative approaches could you consider? 
3

Episode 3: Reflection

Thematic Reflection Questions

Use these questions to reflect on key themes in the guidance sessions with Georg. You may also connect your reflections to the self-assessment tool My competence.

Theme 1: Loss of identity and emotional resistance

  • Would you address irritation directly or indirectly? 
  • What is your main focus in first meeting such a client? 
  • How can shame be addressed constructively? 
  • What approaches may be unsuitable? 


Theme 2: Masculinity, values and ethical awareness

  • How do value differences influence guidance? 
  • How far should beliefs be challenged? 
  • How do your own values affect the process? 
  • What ethical considerations arise? 


Theme 3: Expanding perspectives and restoring agency

  • How do you support clients who feel stuck? 
  • How can perspectives be expanded? 
  • How can agency be rebuilt? 
  • How do you balance realism and hope? 


Theme 4: Visual methods and taking space in one’s life

  • How can visual tools support reflection? 
  • How do such methods influence awareness? 
  • Do you use similar approaches? 
  • How can this support future direction? 

Do you want to go back to the Guidance Room?

Meet more adults.