Counselling psychology and schizophrenia: A critical discursive account

Abstract

Objectives: The diagnosis of schizophrenia does not feature prominently in counselling psychology literature, and there is a distinct lack of empirical research pertaining to how counselling psychologists construct this diagnosis, as well as accounts of their experiences of working with this client group. This study aimed to explore how counselling psychologists in working with schizophrenia, experience the work and construct the diagnosis. Design: A social constructionist branch of discourse analysis known as critical discursive psychology was adopted as the researchers were interested in the organisation of talk, as well as the social and culturally resonant interpretative resources the participants draw upon in research. Method: A version of discourse analysis known as ‘critical discursive psychology’ is used to analyse how eight counselling psychologists talk about and around the diagnosis of schizophrenia in semi-structured interviews. Results: Three main interpretative repertoires will be expanded on in relation to the analysis; Relating to the Individual's Experience; The Therapeutic Relationship – The Contrarian Subject Position and Normalising the Experience – The Egalitarian Subject Position. Conclusion: These findings suggest that although counselling psychologists construct their experiences of working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in a ‘relational’ way (e.g. through relating to the individual's experience and normalising the experience), the dangers of using language that pathologises is always present. This paper concludes with noting the inroads that have been made into an area where counselling psychology has been traditionally underrepresented, and what type of influence this will have on counselling psychology in the future.