Counselling psychology in New Zealand: The quest for identity and recognition

Abstract

Counselling psychology in New Zealand has a relatively brief history, one that has been characterized by a struggle to establish a clear identity and muster widespread support both within the profession and with the public. From its inception it has had to compete with other disciplines in psychology: clinical, educational, community, and industrial. It has had to withstand indifference and, at times, opposition. Nevertheless, a Division of Counselling Psychology has maintained a presence within the New Zealand Psychological Society since 1985 and there are recent signs of renewed vigour and commitment to developing the specialization as a valuable alternative psychological service. This paper describes the struggle endured by counselling psychology and outlines the current challenges facing counselling psychology and psychologists in New Zealand.