Fruits of the Fig-Tree. A Counsellor’s Role in Assisting Gifted and Talented Adolescents to Address Their Multipotentiality : research project completed in partial fulfilment of the Master of Counselling degree

Abstract

Multipotentiality in gifted and talented adolescents refers to the idea that these individuals have numerous and diverse abilities and interests that can have an impact on career choice. To help these children achieve their potential a broad understanding of the issue of multipotentiality is crucial, as is emotional support and advocacy from counsellors – with school guidance counsellors ideally placed to assist. This article provides information and ideas from academic literature and research to facilitate understanding of the broader concepts and introduce suggested interventions for use with multipotentialed gifted and talented individuals. The principal findings from the review of literature suggest differentiation of counselling, a holistic, values-based and lifespan approach to career planning, mentoring, experiential learning and early intervention, coupled with long-term planning and broad academic study are useful. It has also become clear that much more research is required, particularly from the New Zealand viewpoint.