The Use of Reflecting Teams in Social Constructionist Training

Review of the Reflecting Team Process: Strengths, Challenges, and Clinical Implications

“…Witnessing and partaking in a reflecting team process provides new therapists with experience in the creation of open, collaborative dialogue that incorporates barrier-free relationships between clients and professionals. The parallel learning and appreciation for the values within a reflecting conversation is an excellent way to demonstrate through modeling and experience verses theoretical writings (Biever & Gardner, 1995;Cox et al, 2003;Lowe & Guy, 1996;Moran et al, 1995;Roberts et al, 1989).…”

The Reflecting Team: A Training Method for Family Counselors

“…Because trainees are expected to offer sensible reflections based on the client's presentation and the interaction between the counselor and the clients, they are more likely to attend to the process and the content of the interview. This encourages trainees to become more perceptive observers (Biever & Gardner, 1995;James et al, 1996;Wright et al, 1996;Young et al, 1989), which is an important first step in the development of theoretical fluency. Trainers and supervisors of family counselors could, for example, assign trainees specific observational tasks designed to increase their ability to Chang 39 notice theoretical concepts, consistent with the programs and the trainee's goals.…”

“…Pare asserts that RTs are helpful in training as an incremental step toward direct client service, adding ''intensity and focus [since they] know they are not merely role-playing, but responding to persons who are interested in their input'' (p. 300). Biever and Gardner (1995) assert that RT supervision should be supplemented by other modes of supervision, such as individual videotape and case consultation.…”

“…University-based programs. Biever and Gardner (1995) describe their use of RTs in a counselor education program based on social constructionist principles. Asking, ''How do you ''train'' someone within a model in which knowledge is negotiable?''…”

“…Multiple perspectives. RTs assist clients and trainees alike by generating multiple perspectives about the problem (Biever & Gardner, 1995;Brownlee et al, 2009;James et al, 1996;Karr, 1998;Lytton, 1998;Sells et al, 1994;Smith et al, 1994;Young et al, 1989). Clients particularly appreciate multiple options when dealing with complex problems.…”