Practical Reflective Practices – A Critical Component of the Trauma-Informed Approach

Capability Levels: Established and Expert

It feels like reflective practices are really having a moment! Widely accepted as a critical component of trauma-informed practice, they are used by many professionals who come into content with traumatized populations of people. Despite this popularity, reflective practices are often poorly defined and understood. This can result in expectations of their success being high, while their application is insufficiently planned, and their anticipated outcomes unclear.

In this webinar you will be supported to answer the questions – what are reflective practices, and how can they be used in my professional setting to improve our services? We will explore definitions, intended outcomes and the range of practices that fall under the umbrella of reflective approaches. We will consider the benefits of reflective practices for those engaged with traumatized groups, along with clearly defined models, approaches and reflective techniques.

Participants will leave the session equipped with practical ways to implement reflective practices, plan evaluation and priortise their own support as a reflective practice facilitators and leaders.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Define reflective practices and articulate their intended outcomes
• Select reflective practices relevant to their professional setting
• Understand which factors to consider as part of reflective practices

Event Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Learning Session 1: Introduction to Reflective Practice (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive group discussion

Breakout groups (4-5 people) to introduce themselves and discuss their experiences with Reflective Practice (RP), including what they’ve enjoyed and found challenging.

Report back to the main group.

Learning Session 2: The Connection Between RPs and Trauma-Informed Practice (30 minutes)

Learning Activity 2: Case study + Breakout rooms

Discuss the history of RP and its link to trauma-informed practice, focusing on parallel processes and stress activation.

Breakout groups to discuss how these concepts apply to their work. Report back to the main group.

Learning Session 3: Readiness for Reflection (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 3: Interactive group discussion

Discuss brain-based approaches, state-dependent functioning, and co-regulation (top-down vs. bottom-up).

Group discussion on how participants assess readiness for reflection in their contexts.

Learning Session 4: Zones of Reflective Practice (15 minutes)

Learning Activity 4: Breakout rooms

Breakout groups to discuss the three zones of RPs (supervision, individual activities, and groups) and specific reflective activities that can be used in each.

Report back to the larger group.

Learning Session 5: Setting Up RP Groups (15 minutes)

Learning Activity 5: Group discussion

Discuss the considerations for setting up RP groups, including predictability, safety, and routine.

Share first session plan and allow for questions.

Learning Session 6: RP Group Structure & Session Plan (30 minutes)

Learning Activity 6: Breakout rooms

Discuss Kolb’s Learning Cycle and the 4 Ps (Purpose, Process, People, Product).

Breakout groups to discuss how these models could be applied in their context.

Brief group report and discussion.

Learning Session 7: Implementation & Support (10 minutes)

Learning Activity 7: Group discussion

Discuss key considerations for implementing RPs, including evaluation and ongoing support for facilitators.

Q&A and Conclusion

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health, Clinical SW