Constructive conversations: Revisiting selected developments with clients and counsellors

Abstract

Aim: to examine client and counsellor experiences in using and responding to social constructionist (e.g. solution-focused, narrative and collaborative approaches) questions and other conversational interventions. Method: retrospective comments were elicited from 32 clients and 12 counsellors (trained in social constructionist counselling approaches) in reviewing their videotaped use of (or response to) questions and interventions from the social constructionist approaches in single session lifestyle consultations. These comments were transcribed then analysed using the constant comparison method of grounded theory. Results: five common themes (but with different emphases for clients and counsellors) were identified: exploring and adopting the client's perspective; identifying alternative perspectives; identifying strengths, possibilities, and solutions; developing a shared understanding; struggling to talk in a different way. Conclusions: the findings will be useful to counsellors interested in improving their responsive use of questions and interventions in dialogues with clients.

Keywords:

• Social constructionist counselling
• counselling interventions
• grounded theory

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Cheryl Barry, Jennifer Thannhauser, Lara Schultz, Katie Turner, Don Zeman, Nathan Pyle, and the many counsellors and clients who participated in this study. This study was made possible through funding by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and by the University of Calgary.