Counselling the Unemployed - Help and Helplessness

The role of the counsellor is discussed with special reference to the reactions to job loss amongst a group of 100 white-collar unemployed. The importance of fitting counselling style to the phase of unemployment, and individual differences, is emphasised. Emotional and practical support by the counsellor is important, but it can be considerably enhanced by harnessing family and community resources. Ultimately, unemployment needs to be seen in its social context, and not just as an individual's own problem.