A model for career counseling for spouses of relocated employees emphasizes job search tools, resources, and emotional support rather than job placement assistance. Cooperation and support from the employer are essential to the model's success. (SK)

In many corporations, relocation specialists provide support services to families in transition because of job transfer. Helping teens and children with adjustment and orienting the family to the new community are among the services rendered. (SK)

Internal factors affecting how people perceive and react to relocation include beliefs about events, and emotions such as anger and loss, effects of early separation experiences, and self-esteem. Counseling can help individuals and families facing the psychological discomfort of this life crisis. (SK)

Spouse relocation counseling is a prime example of the interrelationship between a client's career development and mental health counseling needs. Understanding and responding to trailing spouses in terms of mental health and career development needs is vital to serving this special population. (Author)

Spousal feelings of resistance and resentment often complicate the relocation process. Individual counseling for the "trailing spouse" can help alleviate unrealistic expectations, too hasty job acceptance, passivity, and communication problems. (SK)

International spouse relocation poses significant challenges for counselors. Critical elements of support programs are (1) sensitivity to relocation's effects on the family; (2) job search assistance for spouses; and (3) effective repatriation programs. (SK)