Team consultation: an indispensable tool for the progress of knowledge. Ways of fostering and promoting its creative potential

A perspective on consultancy teams and technology in applied sport psychology

“…Indeed, several descriptive reviews of SST and walk-in SST have concluded that while more experimental research is required in the area, these single-session approaches appear to be effective for a range of problems and can satisfy client expectations (Bloom, 2001;Cameron, 2007;Campbell, 2012;Hymmen et al, 2013). Although the use of a consultancy team is not a universal feature of all single-session therapeutic methods, like other brief methods (e.g., de Shazer, 1985;Selvini & Palazzoli, 1991), it is a characteristic of therapy that is commonplace to the majority of these approaches.…”

“…Family therapy literature therefore offers further insight into consultancy teams, their potential advantages and disadvantages of this process, and some considerations for practice. Selvini and Palazzoli (1991) noted that when working briefly as a consultancy team it is important that each therapist values each team member's individual style when they are the primary therapists, as these will undoubtedly differ. It is essential that there is co-operation and teamwork when consulting in this manner.…”

“…In Wittgensteinian terms, the observational team must therefore assist the primary practitioner in avoiding becoming bewitched by the client's "language game". Within a team consultancy setting, it is therefore the role of the observation team to allow the primary therapist maximum involvement with the client, while simultaneously guarding them from supporting or reinforcing tacit assumptions relating to the problem (Selvini & Palazzoli, 1991).…”

Should I give advice? A systemic view

“…The Milan group made major breakthroughs in countering this type of deadlock or symmetrical escalation by the use of paradoxical methods (but some have since abandoned paradoxical techniques, e.g. Selvini and Palazzoli, 1991). Another way out is for the systemic therapist to take a one-down position and invite the family to make the final decision on the issue.…”

“…In a systemic approach the therapist engages fully in the conversation and may at times be the only person whose beliefs change. Selvini and Palazzoli (1991) suggest that prescriptive therapies, including their own invariant prescriptions, run an especially high risk of acting as a defence for the therapist. They repudiate the concept ofdistance and detachment in the therapist in family therapy, indicating that in order to make a therapeutic impact the therapist needs to be in strong emotional and cognitive contact with all members of the family.…”