Although I first started working with gifted children over 40 years ago, it did not take me long to begin working with gifted adults as well. I consulted with parents of gifted children and many of those parents were also gifted. In my practice today, I see as many gifted adults as I see gifted children. Thus, I use many assessments and provide a wide range of service for gifted adults. In my work with gifted adults, I spend most of my time in counseling with them.
Gifted adults have personality characteristics that differ in degree as compared to average adults. Because gifted adults tend to have heightened sensitivities, higher expectations, loftier goals, higher moral values, stronger empathy, multiple talents, intellectual curiosity, perfectionist tendencies, passionate feelings, keen observations, and are more likely searching for a deeper meaning of life, they become more frustrated. The gifted adult may often perceive that they do not fit in and feel lonely and isolated, have career problems, and have to make difficult life changing decisions. Other environmental factors are important in shaping the gifted adult such as dealing with unsolved problems, finding that others misunderstand them, getting negative feedback rather than support, being more aware of injustices, and questioning the authority and decisions of others. There are surprisingly many gifted adults with disorders such as ADHD, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, and anxieties who also need help, primarily with executive functioning.
As a gifted adult, career and work issues are a major concern. Some gifted adults have had excellent acceleration opportunities as they have progressed through school and have enjoyed their gifted classes. However, many have not been sufficiently challenged educationally but have developed skills and talents in other ways. Regardless of their level of training, gifted adults have set their goals high in developing work expectations, careers, and job opportunities. Gifted adults, at whatever stage of their careers, will need continued challenge and stimulation on a regular basis. As soon as they master their current areas of learning and work, they are ready for new challenges. If they cannot implement their advancement, gifted adults will feel stifled and frustrated.
However, gifted adults, as well as adults generally, have found that many aspects of their current job status are not desirable. Workers have difficulty when they are not using their skills and knowledge, when unrealistic demands are placed on them, when there is conflict or job politics, and when other factors cause job stress. When the work becomes unsatisfactory, the gifted adult does have choices to consider. Their decisions may depend on factors that they can or cannot control. In many cases, an employee can do more than they believe they can, particularly if they think clearly and positively and use the various resources available to them.
In my work with gifted adults, I am able to evaluate worker characteristics, emotional and social factors, stress indicators, communication skills, and other work styles to help the individual make changes or consider other alternatives. After the evaluation is completed, I will develop a plan of action with the client to pursue their best choices and objectives. Various assessments that are work related include vocational aptitude, career preferences, pre-vocational skills, vocational interests, leadership and decision-making styles, work team characteristics, and organizational structure.
The Following Assessments And Counseling Services Can Be Provided:
- Job Change and Job Search
- Job Satisfaction and Preferences
- Job Stress
- Career Choices
- Work Performance
- Co-Worker Relations
- Conflict Management
- Supervisor Evaluations
- Vocational Assessment and Counseling
- Executive Leadership Coaching
- Decision Making Styles
- Leadership Styles
- Organizational Structure
- Assessment of Men and Women Entering Professions
- Developing a Business Plan
- Enhancing Fulfillment of Gifted Adult Potential
- Coaching of Workers with Disabilities (ADHD, Developmentally Disabled, Anxiety, Depression, etc.)
- Work Force Re-entry (for Students and Adults)
- Consulting to Family-Owned Businesses
- Unemployment and Underemployment Stress
- Motivation, Ability, and Task Completion