ABSTRACT
The object of consultation could be stated very simply; it is to complicate the thinking of the consultee (Caplan, 1977). These words from Caplan refer to consultation as a cognitive restructuring process, similar to what Sandoval (this volume) refers to as “conceptual change” and Hylander’s (this volume) concept of “conceptual shift.” The definition of consultee-centered consultation (Lambert, this volume) states that “one primary task of the consultant is to choose and translate knowledge about intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational effectiveness and well-being so that the work role of the consultee is enhanced” (Lambert, this volume). “Choosing and translating knowledge” means that if the consultant manages to transmit knowledge that is relevant to the consultee, a restructuring process will be initiated that results in the consultee developing more explanations to the problem presented and also more solutions. But this is a reciprocal, not one-way process, as the consultant also changes his or her perception of the case.
