At the beginning of the session, Dr. Krumboltz tells Caroline that he does not know what they would talk about or why she was there other than producing a training video. Since he was interested in finding out why she was there, he used that technique to set the stage for the Happenstance theory, and he was ready to go on when she explained her reasons for being there. He utilized open-ended questions and imagination when he asked Caroline what her fantasy career would be. She responded it would be a job that could earn her six figures, work part-time and establish her own hours of work as a fantasy career.
After allowing her to carry on, he begged her to be more detailed, but she started to voice her concern that her ideas would not succeed. Dr. Krumboltz discussed the Happenstance Theory with Caroline as she expressed her dread of failing. Planning is fine, but Dr. Krumboltz asked her why she was so strict that if something did not work out, she would get stuck with it. It is possible to utilize past learning experiences in other aspects of one’s life and even in different careers by being adaptable and taking life a single phase at a time. In the course of the session, Dr. Krumboltz reinforces Caroline’s progress with positive reinforcement.
Krumboltz’s fantasizing regarding a job offer that would be a dream profession for her was one of the factors that offered the most insight into the client’s decision-making. Since her first target failed, this would let her focus on the things that were most important to her in a future career and on what she would do to achieve those goals instead of wasting time worrying about what to do next. Dr. Krumboltz asked her, “Do you think you need to make a decision right now?” Her reaction was a resounding “yes.” Dr. Krumboltz told her that she did not have to worry about the “what ifs” and that she could go toward her objective without a contingency option, which was a chance for him to present his idea of happenstance.
Dr. Krumboltz told her that unforeseen things to happen, so she has to make judgments based on that. People need to aim to take one step at a time instead of anticipating things to go terribly. Dr. Krumboltz’s client’s belief that life should be planned also played a role in determining what was affecting her decision-making. Dr. Krumboltz said he was not against people who want to have a plan, but he thought it should not take precedence over everything else. For example, Caroline used diverse counseling contexts during her practicums and internships to understand what group she enjoys dealing with the most. Ending on a positive note and open to more investigation later, Dr. Krumboltz ended the session.