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The Self Directed Search and Related Holland Career Materials: A Practitioner's Guide by R. C. Reardon and J. G. Lenz; Psychological Assessment Resources; 1998; 320 pages; $29.00. ISBN # 0-911907-28-9 Perhaps no other career theory exists that has had such a long-standing impact on the field of career counseling as the work of John Holland (Brown & Brooks, 1996; Isaacson & Brown, 1997; Zunker, 1998). Based on this review, one source can now be found that incorporates much of the research (to date) about the practical applications of Holland's RIASEC theory and the various RIASEC-based instruments. Robert Reardon and Janet Lenz have created a book that is a goldmine for counselors who use the SelfDirected Search (SDS) and / or related Holland materials as well as for those who have not yet been introduced to the SDS. The authors maintain the fine balance of presenting information that will help SDS novices understand the theory behind and the techniques involved with using and interpreting the SDS, while introducing research and new ideas that will excite the "pros."
Helping students identify career options has always been a major task of the high school counselor. However, with the current national emphasis on enhancing school-to-work transitions as well as the large number of undergraduate students that are undecided about their major, the need to help students make preliminary career decisions has become more pertinent. In addition, in many undergraduate majors such as education and nursing, students are required to begin major-specific course work during the freshman year. In order for students to do this, they must know what career they wish to pursue prior to being accepted to the...