The Guidance Room - Linnea

Linnea is enrolled in higher vocational education and has recently completed a placement. This case illustrates how guidance can support individuals experiencing self-doubt and how different approaches can help facilitate reflection and expression.

About the Case

Linnea is enrolled in higher vocational education and has recently completed a placement. She feels that others are more capable than her and questions whether she is suited for her chosen field.

This case illustrates how guidance can support individuals experiencing self-doubt and how different approaches can help facilitate reflection and expression.

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 Linnea

Meet Linnea

Reflection Questions

After Watching Episode 1, reflect together:

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

Episode 2: The guidance session with Linnea

Join the guidance session with Linnea

The two guidance moments focus on:

  • Timeline and Career Skills
  • Affirming the Client's story


Reflect together:

  • How would you guide Linnea? 
  • 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 Linnea’s self-doubt? 
  • How are emotions acknowledged and explored? 
  • How is reflection supported without rushing decisions? 
  • 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 Linnea. You may also connect your reflections to the self-assessment tool My competence.

Theme 1: Doubt, completion and self-belief

  • What might Linnea risk losing if she leaves her education? 
  • What could be at stake if she continues? 
  • Is motivation the most important factor here? 
  • How would you support her if self-doubt continues? 


Theme 2: Communication style and facilitating expression

  • How can communication be adapted to less verbal clients? 
  • How do you work with silence and response time? 
  • What role can creative or visual methods play? 
  • What should be considered when choosing methods? 


Theme 3: Reflection, uncertainty and meaning-making

  • How can clients be supported in staying with uncertainty? 
  • What is important when a client doubts their choice? 
  • How can reflection be supported without directing outcomes? 
  • How can competence and potential be made visible? 

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