Self-Awareness Theory states that when we focus our attention on ourselves, we evaluate and compare our current behavior to our internal standards and values. We become self-conscious as objective evaluators of ourselves. Various emotional states are intensified by self-awareness, and people sometimes try to reduce or escape it through things like television, video games, drugs, etc. However, some people may seek to increase their self-awareness through these outlets.

Career counseling is an interactive process by which counselors and clients exchange and explore information concerning clients’ backgrounds, experiences, interests, abilities, self-esteem, and other personal characteristics that help or inhibit their work readiness and career planning. Career counseling is a systematic approach to providing information and advice to clients in such areas as outreach programs, training, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement. Although the career counselor’s primary concern is the client’s career development, counselors also may provide screening and referral services to employers. Counselors use information gathered through assessment to understand and respond to clients’ needs and concerns; clients use this information to understand themselves better, clarify their goals and perspectives, and make plans for the future.