Homework Assignments for Clients

When working with motivated adult clients, I find that they actually really enjoy it when I assign homework between sessions. This may seem strange until you think about it. First, it makes clients feel like they are doing something productive towards their goal of becoming gainfully employed. Second, the process of soul searching is one that few people have been given the tools to do in life and it can be very enjoyable and satisfying.

One of the homework assignments that I recently put together and am just starting to use is the Randomly Acquired Knowledge (RAK) assignment. I am finding this assignment particularly helpful when clients do not have a clear direction. It is also one to help build confidence. Here are the basic directions in the handout.

“What do you know about? What knowledge have you accumulated? What information do your family and friends come to you for? Even if you don’t think something is relevant, a big deal or useful to know, write it down.”

The other standby homework assignment is the good old Brainstorming List exercise. Most of Carla's and my clients get this in their first session or at a workshop. It gives them space to start listing careers to explore with a pro and con column.

Both of the above assignments could easily be used in Job Clubs and provide great sharing and networking opportunities. What homework assignments have you found helpful?