Reflective Practice

What is reflective practice?

Reflective practice provides teams a space to step back from their daily tasks and come together to reflect. In this space we may consider what is happening for individuals the team are supporting, for themselves as individuals and for the team as a whole. Whilst the aim of reflecting is not to problem solve, reflective practice and the application of psychological principles leads to deeper understanding, connection and solutions, ideas or support are often identified from reflection.

The facilitator, often a clinical psychologist, supports the team to think differently about situations and challenges the team to make sense of difficult dynamics or situations from alternate perspectives.

Reflective practice sessions do not follow a set agenda and the aim is to create a safe and open space for the team to bring a range of conversations and to explore topics that feel most helpful for them.

Reflective practice, supervision and training. What is the difference?

Training has more targeted aims of acquiring knowledge or skills and is often more directive in nature. Training typically focuses on a specific topic and is often delivered in a one off or short series of sessions.

Supervision aims to support individuals separately or in small groups to oversee their work and develop practice. It offers an ongoing relationship between the supervisor and supervisee.

Reflective practice aims to support teams with fluid, bespoke support that can meet them where they are in sessions. The aim is to support teams to reflect, formulate and develop insight. It provides an ongoing relationship and space for teams to be supported and build on existing skills whilst strengthening team relationships.

Why is reflective practice helpful?

We know that teams supporting individuals are the most important factor in effective care. Reflective practice provides teams with a space to stop, reflect and make sense of their work or an individual they are supporting. It supports teams to understand behaviour as communication, to share knowledge and develop effective communication. Reflective practice offers a safe space for staff to recognise their own emotional responses and supports teams to explore their own emotions to enable connection with the individuals they support. Reflective practice encourages curiosity, acceptance and psychological mindedness. Having access to reflective practice can reduce staff burnout, improve consistency within teams and supports better practice.