Myth: Is reflective practice just like another team meeting or training day?
Truth: No, it is a unique safe space that focuses on the emotional impact of the work that we do and provides space for team members to feel and reflect upon these emotions. Supporting the wellbeing of the team is the key aim of any session.
Myth: Are you there to treat us?
Truth: No, I do not offer psychological treatment in the traditional sense during reflective practice. My role is to facilitate discussion between team members, help bring in psychological theory where helpful, and support team members to sit with difficult feelings in relation to their work experiences.
Myth: Will I feel exposed and asked to share personal experiences I may prefer not to share with colleagues?
Truth: No, reflective practice should never leave someone feeling exposed or under pressure to share more than they feel comfortable with. One or two team members may bring a case personal to them and share some of their emotional reaction to the work, but often discussion is then widened to the group and team members share their reaction and experiences. There is always time at the end of the session to check in with how team members are feeling, to ensure that further support could be offered should this be needed.
Myth: Should different levels of team members be spilt up, could it feel exposing to have junior and senior members in the same session?
Truth: There is real benefit to have all levels of team members in a session, as this allows senior team members to show they too can find work challenging, thus creating an open culture around sharing work challenges and seeking support. It also allows senior team members to really hear their junior team members and this can have positive impact on business decisions
