ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces and applies ideas from two sources: “positioning theory”, and the theory of “dialogical self”. It argues that these frameworks offer a rich understanding of the dynamics of human relationships, their fluidity, and how they are partially founded within everyday acts of conversation and lived exchange. The chapter focuses on the theory of positioning as developed by Rom Harre and colleagues and that of the dialogical self as developed by Hubert Hermans and colleagues. The emphasis of recovery practice is quite the opposite to the problem-focused perspective of group therapy and analysis. Recovery is a value which seeks to promote a more equal sense of participation and citizenship, against considerable odds. The chapter explores theories of positioning and the dialogical self and how these help people develop an in-depth and in-breadth analysis of the therapeutic group, as well as wider formation of groups and classes within society.
