Risorgimento: A history of Counselling Psychology in Britain

Abstract

Content and FocusThis paper examines the historical context which gave birth to the Division of Counselling Psychology. It argues that this was a period of economic, social and political crisis and that there are similarities with the contemporary situation in the UK. It seeks to explore and explain the apparent contradiction of the fact that these conditions should be associated with an organisation whose values stem from a belief in personal fulfilment and growth. The contradiction is explained by reference to the suggestion that crisis at a social level and trauma at a personal level are the conditions in which the potential for change is strongest.The factors allowing the new body to flourish are listed through an analogy drawn with the Italian Risorgimento (revival) which culminated in an independent Italy in 1861. The need for a mythical flag behind which to unite is examined through the concept of a narrative arcConclusionsThe narratives of the scientist-practitioner and the reflective practitioner are crucial to understanding the development of the discipline. The former allowed counselling psychology to locate itself within the broad mainstream of psychology while the latter offered a distinctive identity which articulated the special quality of counselling psychology. The paper concludes by listing the challenges faced as the discipline moves forward into the future and reiterates the historical truth articulated by Karl Marx that humans make history (have the power of agency) but do not operate in circumstances of their own choosing.