Multi-being in professional practices: towards a relational approach to psychological assessment and intervention

The purpose of this work is to explore forms of practice compatible with theshift in social constructionist theory towards a relational approach in which the individual is seen as an intersection of multiple relationships within specific cultural and contextual landscapes. This approach views us as multi-beings possessing a wealth of potential which our relationships may or may not express adequately. After considering certain limitations of traditional approaches to psychological assessment and treatment, it explores multi-being issues capable of helping us reframe professional practices to envisage and accommodate the multiplicity of the self. In particular, practices which move away from individualism towards the cross-fertilization of multiple selves and ever-wider forms of coordinated action are suggested.