Situational Consultation

Abstract

Situational Consultation (SC) is presented as a framework for flexible integration of several models and methodologies in consultation practice by choosing an approach adapted to the specific situation. In SC, models and their characteristic role positions are considered interchangeable tools with qualitative differences in strengths and applicability depending on the situational context. Three ideal-type positions in consultation—the advisory, the hermeneutic, and the reflective positions—are used as analytic concepts to guide adaptations of consultation to context and process. Principles developed in a consultation practice that attempts to implement such strategic flexibility are described with illustrative examples of SC applied in practice.