Publication . Cardoso, Paulo; Duarte, Maria Eduarda; Gaspar, Rui; Bernardo, Fátima; Janeiro, Isabel Nunes; Santos, Graça
This study evaluated the adequacy of the micro-theory of client operations to explain meaning
construction during Life Design Counseling. Four adolescents were interviewed about their second
counseling session. Their recollections were stimulated through the replay of counseling
videotapes. The resulting transcribed interviews were qualitatively analyzed. Results confirmed
a sequence of client operations evolving from the symbolic representation of experience and
reflexive self-examination towards making new realizations and revisioning self. Moreover, clients
reported negative and positive session moments evidencing that clients' attention and activity
during the session was not restricted to meaning construction operations. Practical
implications for life design counseling are derived from the results and discussed.
