A Depth Psychology for Our Times: Integrating Discourse and Personal Construct Approaches

Intersections between social constructionism and personal construct psychology (PCP) are increasingly been explored. Not only are these traditions compatible, but they may require each other. For when constructs are seen not as personal cognitions in any way causing or “behind” behaviour, but configurations of thought and feeling which occur in action, then the social context of that action arises as of interest. At the same time, how ideas and cultural practices or “discourses” become embodied in individuals and their actions, is critical. Discourse psychology presents an opportunity to develop a coherent blending of social constructionist ideas around discourse, with PCP. This paper outlines the key features of such an attempt. An account of a discourse approach to psychology is provided, and this is then used to make connections with, and expand upon, an account of PCP that thereby becomes more fully informed by discursive social constructionism.