This paper stems from attempts to investigate practice from the position of a novice researcher, but experienced professional. The approach which developed stemmed from a genuine desire to deal with a real life 'messy' situation -a simple curiosity about current work and a wish to study it. There was no specific research question initially and a 'method' evolved only gradually as the author researched his researching. Systematic recording of his activities and reflections in a research diary enabled him to recognise an emerging form which he then felt able to communicate. He offers, as a metaphor for this inquiry, the banyan tree.
This article offers a model for reflection on practice, not a model of practice. A detailed example is drawn from a recent project involving reflective research into one psychologist's involvements with children exhibiting emotional and behavioural difficulties. Comments on the process of reflecting, lines of further research and a 'short form' for reflection are outlined. Finally, the challenge of reflection for dayto-day work is highlighted.
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