The Role of Reflection in Learning for Early-Career Psychologists
As an early-career psychologist or provisional psychologist, you’re navigating the challenges of developing your clinical skills while juggling the demands of supervision, client work, and your personal life. One of the most powerful tools you have during this time is reflection. This means taking the time to reflect on your experiences which can help, not just what you’re doing in therapy but also what you bring to the therapeutic relationship. This can significantly enhance your learning and growth and even help with your preparation for the National Psychology Exam. However we don’t often enough take the time to reflect.
Why Reflection Matters
Reflection is more than a required part of your logbook during internships, it’s a way to actively engage with your development. By reflecting on your own values and assumptions, you gain insights into how these influence your interactions with clients. It also helps you evaluate whether the interventions you’re using are effective. You might notice, for example, that a particular therapeutic technique resonates with some clients but not others. By reflecting on these patterns, you can adjust your approach to better meet your clients’ needs.
Using Reflection to Track Client Progress
Reflecting on client progress is key to improving your practice. Are your clients moving forward? If not, what could be adjusted in the treatment plan? Use your supervision sessions to discuss these reflections. Supervisors can provide invaluable feedback on whether your assessments are aligned with best practices or if there’s another way to interpret a client’s progress. This kind of reflective practice is especially helpful when documenting your client-related activities in your logbook. When you jot down your reflections, don’t just think about what happened in the session; consider why it happened and how it informs your future work.
Incorporating Reflection into Your Logbook
As part of the 5+1 internship program, you’re required to record reflections on your experiences in the logbook. The Psychology Squared Logbook has ideas for reflection and spaces dedicated for you to compete reflections.
Reflections aren’t just a formality or a box to tick, it's an opportunity to regularly evaluate your growth. When you complete your logbook entries, take the time to think critically about your clinical decisions. What challenges did you face this week? How did you manage them? Are there gaps in your knowledge or skills that you need to address? These reflective questions will help you monitor your development and ensure that you're meeting the core competencies required for registration.
Practical Tips for Reflective Practice
Set aside time for reflection: Carve out specific time after client sessions or at the end of the week to reflect on your practice. This dedicated space will make reflection a habit.
Ask open-ended questions: When reflecting, ask yourself questions like, “What worked well with this client?” or “What could I have done differently?”
Use supervision effectively: Bring your reflections to your supervision sessions. Discussing your thoughts with your supervisor can provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding of your own practice.
Supporting Your Learning through Reflection
Reflection isn’t just about meeting internship requirements, it’s about supporting your ongoing learning. It allows you to develop greater self-awareness, adjust your therapeutic approach, and ensure that you're on the right track with client progress. Don’t hesitate to advocate for your learning needs in supervision and placements. Use your reflections to guide these conversations, whether it’s seeking more feedback or discussing areas where you feel uncertain.
Reflection is a powerful tool that transforms experience into expertise. For early-career psychologists, it is the key to developing professional identity, improving practice, and growing both personally and professionally.
By embracing reflection as a core aspect of your journey, you’ll not only enhance your learning but also strengthen your ability to provide impactful, ethical, and empathetic care to those you serve.
Psychology Squared is here to help with provisional psychologist resources that have been developed for provisional psychologist to make their internship pathway easier. Whether it’s resources to help you prepare for the NPE or help with supervision requirements we are here to help. Contact us today to find out more.