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Occasionally, social workers experience complex situations riddled with uncertainty and no easy solution.
Why isn’t this client getting better?
Why isn’t this evidence-based treatment working?
Why is it so difficult to build rapport with this teenager?
Why?
Why?
Why?
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Sometimes, these “Why” questions can lead us down a path where self-doubt grows.
Insecurity.
Imposter Syndrome.
Cynicism.
Hopelessness.
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The skill of critical reflection raises insights into practice, enhances professional development, and improves service delivery.
Through critical reflection, we can EXPLORE the dynamics of rational and irrational thoughts, emotions, doubts, assumptions, and beliefs and how they impact our practice (Grant & Kinman, 2014).
There are three elements to critical reflection. (Select each item below to explore more).
Let’s learn about Driscoll’s Reflective Model. Please watch the video below to learn more.
What are the benefits of practicing critical reflection?
Social workers with highly developed reflective abilities tend to be happier.
Writing about your thoughts and feelings for two minutes can improve your mental and physical health.
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Let’s try it.
Critical reflection allows us to learn from our experiences.
And develop a growth mindset, which reduces feelings of shame and guilt.
What did I learn from this experience?
What can I do differently?
What skills do I need to continue to develop?
Critical reflection EMPOWERS us!
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Check out this video about Growth Mindset, another helpful reflection skill.
Supercharge your critical reflection with CONNECTION!
The critical reflection process can be enhanced by having a positive supervisory relationship.
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Hopefully, you will have an authentic, respectful supervisor who treats you positively and is open to furthering your learning and development. Having a safe place to work with your supervisor allows you to REFLECT on issues affecting your practice and EXAMINE your strengths and growth areas.
Reflective supervision works if you come prepared.
You must be an ACTIVE participant.
Taking notes about your experiences is helpful.
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Let’s practice.
Take a few minutes to answer the following questions. If you do not have a supervisor, respond as if you will provide these answers to a teacher or mentor.
Don’t forget about your social work peers and mentors!
You can participate in peer coaching with trusted peers and mentors.
Collaborating with colleagues will enhance your reflective practice, self-awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
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Quick Recap:
Let’s review what we learned in this module.
Let’s learn about the last skill – Self-Compassion.
Please progress to the final module.