In an era of organizational restructuring and technological change, individuals can no longer plan on spending their entire working lives with one organization. Career paths are no longer a linear rise up the ladder. Adult career counselors deal with an extremely heterogeneous population who are at vastly different stages of life. Their clients' career issues are complicated by family responsibilities and work and life experiences that color their attitudes, values, and decisions. Counselors must be familiar with adult development and adult learning theories and need varied approaches for these different types of clients. Because careers are integral to identity in this culture, adult career counseling becomes an exploration of personal identity and meaning--issues different for men and women. The rise in the number of dual-career couples has given a new focus to counseling--the link between work and family life for both men and women. Another trend affecting career counseling is the expansion of life choices for older adults. Greater attention is finally being given to cross-cultural issues. Counseling diverse clients should take into account three factors: similarities across cultures; unique aspects of cultures that influence members; and individual characteristics. Appropriate assessment must include problem identification, assessment of coping responses, and use of subjective information. Assessment also has gender and cultural dimensions. (Contains 13 references.) (YLB)