Introduction

Socio-medical discourse has always had fundamental connections with the principle of social control, indoctrinated by the premise that if an aspect of humanity deviates from the norm, it needs to be cured or 'cut off', i.e. removed surgically or psychologically. Psychiatry expanded this hegemony by conflating the notion of being 'mentally ill' with 'dangerous', a fusion that remains inextricably linked for many even in contemporary society. Deconstructing and challenging normative discourses allows the development of narratives beyond the limitations of cultural oppression. More importantly, engaging with human beings as human beings enables humanity. It feels important to acknowledge that not every client seeking out specialist therapy actually wishes to enter into dialogue about their diversities. When principles of client-centredness, anti-sectarianism and queer theory are combined, client and counsellor can knock that notice of foreclosure down and pick up the possibilities of being.