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The article is focused on possibilities in using discourse and conversation analyses in psychotherapy and counseling research. First part is concerned on introduction of both research traditions and their similarities as well as differences. Second part of the paper consists of examples of realises studies focused on 1. formulations (therapists ´ utterances connected to clients´ reactions) in psychotherapy and counseling, 2. discursive pursuing of therapist's agenda (therapists´goals and plans for therapy), 3. change process research and 4. broader discourse perspectives in psychotherapy and counseling. Some limitations and possible directions for future development of conversation and discourse analyses in psychotherapy and counseling research are pointed out as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives an overview of current developments in discourse analysis, including its most prominent trends, protagonists, theories, and concepts. The paper emphasizes diversity of approaches to discourse analysis and gives specific examples of their application to research in health psychology, feminist psychology, and counselling and psychotherapy. In this way, the paper aims to document the relevance of discourse analysis for psychological research and, by implication, for psychological theory and practice. The debate includes Potter's and Wetherell's approach to discourse analysis, rhetorical psychology, discursive psychology, conversation analysis, poststructural discourse analysis and critical discursive psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]