The process of psychological consultation

Abstract

Consultation is a key means of service delivery in many psychological services. However, the process of consultation is little explored in Educational Psychology literature, particularly in the United Kingdom (UK). This paper focuses on a small-scale qualitative research study of psychological consultation provided by educational psychologists (EPs) for parents and teachers in one local authority in the UK. Seven consultations were observed and recorded, consultants and consultees were interviewed; discourse analysis was used to analyse these data. The research provided a rich description of a range of discursive strategies employed by EPs during consultation. Strategies included EP directed collaboration, demonstrating empathy, summarising and reformulating. Using positioning theory allowed further exploration of the dynamics of consultation as a social event. This research provides guidance to EPs wishing to reflect upon and develop their consultation practice.

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