Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses a consultee-centred approach to consultation where the focus is on facilitating the consultee's work with the client rather than on solving the client's problem for the consultee. It describes a collaborative consultee-centred approach to consultation drawing on systemic, collaborative, narrative and appreciative approaches and they incorporate a range of research findings, theories and practices from the broader consultation literature to guide their consultation practice. The book provides a repertoire of competencies for consultation to make the early experiences for the novice consultant less overwhelming by suggesting what to expect, what can be done to improve the quality of the experience for consultant and consultee, and what strategies can support productive reflection. It identifies different levels of context that inform requests for and expectations of consultation: interaction, relationship, meaning, professional identity and organisation.