Applying Psychology to Consulting From Theory to Practice

Part 1: Introduction to the Consultancy Cycle

1. Introduction to Occupational Psychology and Consultancy

2. History of the Consultancy Cycle

3. Overview of the Consultancy Cycle in Occupational Psychology

Part 2: Stages of the Consultancy Cycle

4. Stage 1: Contracting

5. Stage 2: Information Gathering

6. Stage 3: Evidence-based Practice to Formulate Solutions

7. Stage 4: Implementing and Reviewing Solutions

8. Stage 5: Evaluating Outcomes

9. Stage 6: Reporting and Reflecting on Outcomes

Part 3: Application and Practice of the Consultancy Cycle

10. Case Studies

11. CPD and Skill Development

12. Competency Framework for the Consultancy Cycle

13. Future Trends and Impact on the Consultancy Cycle

Biography

Clare Mulligan-Foster is an HCPC Registered Occupational Psychologist and a BPS Chartered Coaching Psychologist. Clare has her own practice specialising in leadership and executive coaching. Clare has worked as a senior lecturer for numerous universities including programme director of the Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, at Birkbeck, University of London.

Hayley Lewis is an HCPC Registered Occupational Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist with 30 years’ experience as a practitioner. Alongside her consultancy experience, Hayley has held various teaching roles, including working as one of the programme directors for the Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, at Birkbeck, University of London, UK.

“A highly practical, evidence-based exploration of the realities of the consultancy cycle. This will be invaluable for occupational psychology practitioners at all stages of their career.”

Antonia Dietmann, Chartered Psychologist (BPS) & Registered Occupational Psychologist (HCPC), UK

“This book provides a clear, practical and ethically grounded guide to the consultancy cycle, rooted in real‑world occupational psychology practice. Drawing on robust evidence, lived practitioner experience and reflective insights, it offers both clarity for those navigating the complexity of consultancy work. A valuable resource for trainee psychologists, supervisors, and experienced consultants alike, and equally relevant for HR and OD professionals seeking to work in an evidence‑informed, psychologically sound way.”

Liza Walter-Nelson, Senior Solutions Director and Chair of the Division of Occupational Psychology, UK

"This is a much needed book to bridge how we in occupational psychology bridge knowledge into practice. It provides a wealth of resources, identifying models, key stakeholders and steps – brought to life with clear examples – that is of value to those entering consultancy and those with many years’ experience. Hayley and Clare demonstrate clearly how consultancy should be done, introducing numerous models, examples and tips to brin to life the different stages of the consultancy cycle. I learnt much reading this, and whether you are a student or experienced consultant, this book will be a key resource in your own CPD."

Kevin Teoh, Reader in Work and Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, UK

“This is a must-have guide for occupational and business psychology practitioners. Practical, evidence-based and deeply usable, it is the book I wish I had in hand when I began consulting years ago, and it will be a go-to companion for practitioners at every stage of their consultancy career.”

Claire Lish, Chair of the Association for Business Psychology, UK

“Clare & Hayley’s book is a fantastic resource for all: it is both a rich, practical guide for those learning to consult and necessary, useful challenge to those who are more experienced.”

Chiara Amati, Chartered Psychologist & Director, The Keil Centre, UK

"This is a useful, interesting, and informative text for anyone working as an occupational psychologist, offering practical examples and ideas on how to apply the consultancy cycle. The expert tips are a particularly positive addition. When asked to review this book, I wondered how a full book could be dedicated to consultancy cycle content, but Hayley and Claire have done an excellent job of narrating the subject in a way that makes for a genuinely practical guide, suitable for any career stage. I will be recommending it to my students, trainee occupational psychologists, and professional colleagues, and I look forward to applying some of the new ideas I picked up from reading it. A great piece of work, and an even better read!"

Vicki Elsey, Associate Head of School of Psychology at Northumbria University, Chartered Psychologist and Registered Occupational Psychologist, UK

“A great combination of practitioner guidelines, expert opinion, and evidence-based practice. The authors blend ideal models and concepts with the realities of being a consultant in complex organisational contexts. The book provides a clear call for ethical and reflective practice, which all occupational psychologists will be able to take value from. It's the book I wish I'd had access to when navigating the chartership process all those years ago”

Richard MacKinnon, Founder of WorkLifePsych, UK