Reflecting on Reflections!

You have to do a fair bit of reflecting within the 4+2, 5+1 internship, so it's important to have some ideas of what to reflect on; how to reflect; and, what your supervisor's expectations may be.  You have to reflect as part of your weekly activities, e.g. within the log book (for the 5+1) or depending on which log book you use.  The Psychology Squared log book, purchasable here, includes a reflection section within the log book for your ease of use, but if you prefer, the AHPRA reflection sheet is also able to use if you wish to keep them separate.  You also need to reflect within the Case Reports.

What sorts of things should I reflect on? See below.

There are lots of different broad areas to reflect on:

Personal/Self-reflections:

1) What do I find personally challenging?

2) What do I like about this experience?

3) Where can I improve in all areas?

4) How have I grown as a person from my experiences?

5) How was some part of my personal identity affecting my role in client work?

Reflecting on assessment, for example:

1) How did the assessment process go?

2)  What did you learn from the process?

3) What did you find challenging in the process and what strategies do you have to manage this?

4) How could other stakeholders be utilised?

5) Did any ethical or administrative issues arise and how were these handled?

Reflecting on interventions:

1) How did this intervention work or not work for your client?

2) Was there anything about the intervention that surprised you or made it ineffective?

3) Was the modality of treatment suitable?  Why or why not?

4)  What did you learn from the experience?

5) How could this have been done differently or more effectively?

6) How did perpetuating factors perhaps affect the impact of treatment?

Reflecting on communicating:

1)  How effectively did you communicate with the client?

2) What could have been done differently to improve communication between yourself and the client?

3) How was the relationship with the client? What could have improved your therapeutic alliance?

4) How were reports made to be more appropriate for the audience?

5) How could you have been more clear and concise with your communication?

Reflection is a crucial part of the internship experience.  It helps you to grow and develop as a clinician, while ensuring that you are delivering the best possible care for your clients.  The more thought you give to your reflection, the more valuable it will be.

The Psychology Squared log book, which has heaps of features to make your internship easier, also has lots more suggestions for reflections- it's just $33.00 To purchase See here: