Considering position calls: Emerging interpretations in a research project

Abstract

A research project founded in social constructionist and postcolonial theorising investigated the discursive positioning of Pakeha counsellors who acknowledge membership of the dominant cultural group in Aotearoa New Zealand and the possibilities for them to work against potential limitations on their practice effectiveness which may arise from this membership. One participant experienced a transformational development in her practice while participating in the research project through taking an active focus on the discursive context of her practice. Discussion of this development offers support for the argument that a focus on the discursive context of counselling practice by a counsellor offers benefits for counsellor and client.