Abstract
AbstractApplied Conversation Analysis (CA) is broadly accepted to be a qualitative methodological approach associated with the discursive turn. Although some argue for a distinct observational science paradigm, the current methodological dichotomy positions this work under the qualitative rubric. Applied CA focuses on the sequential design of social interaction, examining language and meaning within institutional settings. It emphasises informing practice and provides a useful form of evidence for therapists and counsellors, as the work is grounded in real‐world therapeutic practices. In therapy, language and talk are fundamental to the process and outcomes. Studying therapeutic social interaction through Applied CA can illuminate processes, improve practice, and utilise best practice to inform care. The focus of this article is our perspective on the value of Applied CA as a form of evidence in counselling and psychotherapy, and to encourage partnership working between academics and clinicians working in the field.
Highlights
We have been undertaking collaborative research projects using language-based approaches to address research problems in mental health, with much of this work drawing upon Conversation Analysis ( CA)
Through our partnerships with a broad range of practicing professionals in psychiatry, psychology, counselling, and Allied Health, we have worked to demonstrate the value of closely studying language as a means of: 1) better understanding social interactions that take place in clinical settings, 2) improving practice, and 3) utilising best practices to inform care
We argue for the value of using CA, Applied CA, for the close study of therapy and counselling
Summary
CA provides empirical evidence that demonstrates the process of therapeutic change (Strong et al, 2008), as it allows researchers to closely attend to communication that impacts therapeutic practices and thereby patient outcomes (Priebe & McCabe, 2008). The reason for this, is that from our perspective, methodological approaches that focus on the close study of language make ‘intuitive sense’ as therapy is fundamentally a form of conversation (McLeod, 2001, p.91). It is well-accepted that clinicians need competencies in the art of good communication to facilitate positive therapeutic relationships (Priebe & McCabe, 2008). Process (conversation) affects outcome (evidence); both are intertwined and inseparable” (p. 388)
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