Job relocation and the trailing spouse

Conclusion Spouse relocation counseling is a prime example of the interrelationship between a client's career development and mental health counseling needs. Although these clients may initially seek a career counselor's help in career decision making or for assistance in their job campaigns, personal and psychological factors associated with the relocation are quite often significant and must be addressed to render effective service.Effective spouse relocation counseling, like any other type of counseling, begins with understanding and support. To many trailing spouses the relocation experience is overwhelming and can have a negative effect on the spouse's career development. Simply put, understanding and responding to trailing spouses in terms of both their mental health and career development needs is vital to serving this special population.Michael Shahnasarian, Ph.D., is a career development consultant in the Center for Counseling and Human Development at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Requests for reprints should be addressed to Michael Shahnasarian, Ph.D., 10919 North Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33618.