An Introduction to Consulting Psychology

This book provides a broad introduction to consulting psychology that reviews assessment and intervention at three levels of competencyindividual, group, and organizationalincluding how these levels interact. Consulting psychology is a burgeoning yet sometimes underappreciated discipline whose goal is to empower clients and improve workplace functioning. In this book, Dr. Lowman describes this fulfilling and important work, translating theory and research into a succinct and accessible overview that will familiarize students, psychologists from multiple disciplines, and others with the field. Lowman reviews how consultation helps clients at three levelsindividual, group, and organizational. Using illustrative case examples, he samples issues that can arise at each level and describes appropriate tools for assessment and intervention. The various consulting activities surveyed include: screening potential job candidates; coaching individuals to help them adapt to new roles and manage relationships with colleagues; evaluating and improving work group dynamics, such as communication patterns; and working with different organizational cultures to enhance system-wide processes and structures. Leadership is given special focus as a complex topic that spans all three levels and requires the consultant to consider a host of variables. Multiculturalism and internationalism are also examined as competencies that consulting psychologists must possess in our increasingly globalized society. Lowman also considers important professional standards and guidelines for consulting psychologists, including the APA Ethics Code.