Learning Theory Model

Learning Theory Model

developed by Krumboltz in 2009 

"The Happenstance Learning Theory most aligns with how I view this process. I can understand through the reading that there is a wide scope of interest when applying this theory to the clients as it not only views them but, again, everything around them. It also recognizes that clients are confounded by the many variables of life, thus understanding that this person's experiences and influences can change and shape their journeys. There is another emphasis on sitting with clients as they are in their present situations and guiding a process of acceptance. It also calls attention to the inevitable questioning of one's decision and permits counselors to decrease ambiguity of the client's situation. It reframes the roadblocks as opportunities and takes events that make clients unsure of their situation and turns them into situations of potential.

I believe that this theory is most applicable to the real lives and concerns of clients because it seeks to understand and fill in gaps. It encourages clinicians to be curious about all portions of the client's mental and social state before making decisions all while honoring the hard conversations and decisions."

9 factors that influence individual behavior:

1. genetics - psychological variables playing parts in genetics variation
2. learning experiences 
3. instrumental learning experiences - observe own behavior and its consequences to influence behavior
4. associate learning experiences - individuals may observe the behavior of others causing influence to behavior
5. environmental conditions and events 
6. parents and caretakers 
7. peer groups
8. structured educational settings
9. the imperfect world - opportunities for some and not for others

Fundamental propositions: 

1. help clients take action to achieve satisfaction in career and personal lives
2. stimulate learning 
3. engage in exploratory actions to generate beneficial unplanned events
4. assess what the client accomplishes in the real world 

Applying this learning theory:

1. orient client expectations and help them understand that the goal is to create satisfying lives and that it is normal to experience anxiety
2. identify the client concerns (it's about where the client is)
3. use the client's past experiences and unplanned events to evaluate and discuss behavior
4. sensitize clients to recognize opportunity and reframe negative experience to beneficial ones
5. overcome blocks to action (what stops the client from reaching their goals)
6. evaluate the outcomes and effects of counseling

An overview of this theory can be found at this link.

Gysbers, N.C., Heppner, M.J., Johnston, J.A. (2014). Career Counseling: Holism, Diversity, and Strengths. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.