When using the dependent collaborative model, the respondent works together with the consultant. Each party has a unique set of experience and knowledge with which it can contribute to solving a problem. Using this model, the consultant and the respondent develop a partnership in order to develop a plan. However, the consultant is responsible for creating the plan, while the consultant is responsible for implementing the plan.
For example, a special education teacher may consult the school counselor to try to determine what triggers anxiety attacks in an autistic student. The two professionals work together to help identify the problem; then, the counselor develops a plan to help the student that the teacher implements. What if the counselor needs to draw on the experience of others to develop an action plan? The collaborative-interdependent model does not depend on anyone being an expert, but rather brings together professionals with different areas of specialization to develop solutions to major problems. Each person has the same authority and depends on others to create solutions.
For example, the school counselor, teachers, and the parent group can work together to develop solutions that reduce the dropout rate. Each of these groups has a different perspective on the problem, but none of them can solve it without the support of the others. School counselors consult with teachers, students, parents, and other professionals to provide the best services to their students. The collaborative-dependent model is when a professional, such as a teacher, goes to another professional, such as the counselor, for advice to solve a problem.
Both parties are experts who work together to identify and resolve the problem, but the teacher will be the one who implements the plan developed by the counselor. The collaborative-interdependent consulting model consists of people with different areas of specialization coming together to solve a problem. With this model, all collaborators have the same authority and responsibility when it comes to developing and implementing a solution. The triadic dependency model occurs when a person or a professional seeks the help of another professional to help them improve their skills and thus be able to better help a client.
