A broader view of the career problem and the counselor's role through teaching clients behavioral self-control techniques is offered in this paper. Preliminary discussion includes a review of existing vocational theories and research, in particular, Holland's typology and Super's self-concept theory. It is concluded from these reviews that the practical problems in career counseling will not be solved by continuing to use the currently prevailing correlational methods. Instead, the authors suggest that several major changes of focus are needed and present a social learning model of career selection as a perspective for self-managed change (behavioral self-control). Self-control is viewed here as a series of specific, cognitively mediated actions that a person uses to regulate and alter situations, including the cognitive environment, so that desired change takes place. Major concepts and techniques for teaching and learning self-control skills are discussed, stressing four broad areas of commitment, awareness, restructuring environments, and evaluating consequences and standards. A case study using these techniques is examined. Areas of needed research in the area of career counseling are suggested. (TA)