Cultivating Reflection, Reflexivity, and Self-Care – Essential Competencies for Psychologists

A membership community - with Dr Belinda Ratcliffe

This is a unique opportunity for psychologists to not only meet the new AHPRA Code of Conduct requirements, but to actively develop the competencies that will enable you to practice as a reflective, compassionate, and resilient practitioner. This membership community is designed for psychologists and healthcare professionals who want to build on their reflection, self-awareness, reflectivity, and self-care skills—foundational elements in providing high-quality care and enhancing personal well-being.

How They Work Together:

Reflection, reflexivity and self-care work together to form a foundation for ethical, compassionate, and resilient practice. These are no longer just nice-to-have skills—they are essential for your professional development and meeting the ethical standards set by AHPRA in the new Code of Conduct (effective 1 December 2025)

  • 🌀 Reflection helps you process experiences.

  • 🌀 Reflexivity helps you understand yourself within those experiences.

  • 🌀 Self-care ensures you have the capacity to continue this deep work sustainably.

  • These competences are process orientated and need to be cultivated and regularly practiced to be implemented. Just like we can't just 'learn' to exercise or eat healthily (we need to practice these regularly to be healthy!) we need to regularly committ to reflection, reflexivity and self-care to embed these competencies in our clinical practice and daily lives.

While Reflection, Reflexivity, and Self-Care are interconnected -

each has a distinct meaning and role in clinical and/or psychological practice

  • Reflection – Thinking About Experience

    Reflection is the process of looking back on experiences, thoughts, and emotions to gain insight and understanding. It allows psychologists to evaluate their responses, decisions, and interactions in clinical practice. Example in Practice: A psychologist reflects on a session where they felt frustrated with a client’s resistance. They explore what triggered the frustration, how they responded, and how they might adjust their approach next time.

  • Reflexivity – Examining the Self in Context

    Reflexivity goes deeper than reflection—it is the ongoing, active process of questioning one’s own biases, assumptions, and role in any therapeutic or professional interaction. It involves self-awareness, critical thinking, and adaptation. Example in Practice: A psychologist notices they feel more at ease with certain clients (e.g., those with similar values or backgrounds) and feel challenged by others. Reflexivity helps them question these patterns and ensure they are offering equal, nonjudgmental care.

  • Self-Care – Sustaining the Practitioner

    Self-care is the intentional practice of maintaining physical, emotional, and psychological well-being to prevent burnout and sustain compassionate, ethical practice. Example in Practice: A psychologist who schedules regular supervision, takes breaks and engages in mindfulness practices to maintain emotional balance.

Overview of our Monthly Sessions

Join a community of your peers for a 1 hour live/interactive session (recorded with 30 days access)

  • Welcome and mindful, grounding or compassion-focused meditation (10 minutes)

  • A short presentation on a research informed, evidence-based topic related to reflection, reflexivity or self-care. The presentation format is varied, and will always have an applied component such as a video, worksheet, creative work or practice - drawing on compassion-focused therapy, mindful self compassion, contemplative wisdom, logotherapy, positive psychology, ACT and the integrated process model (amongst others!) (20 minutes)

  • Break-out room (groups of 3-4) to complete an activity or share responses to set discussion questions (15 minutes)

  • Large group sharing/discussion (10 minutes)

  • Closing reflections (5 minute)

The Vibe

  • Compassion-focused

    Professionals are encouraged to nurture their own well-being while strengthening their ability to support others. Every interaction is designed to foster deeper self-awareness and kindness, both within yourself and your practice.

  • Community Oriented

    A supportive, collaborative environment that values connection, shared learning, and mutual growth. Here, we don't provide 'answers' we help you reflect and live into your own questions - you’re not just a participant—you’re part of a compassionate community where everyone’s experience and voice matters.

  • Resourcing

    While our sessions are professional, we don’t forget the importance of joy. Our sessions are engaging, uplifting, and infused with an energy of compassion, kindness and genuine care, so you’ll leave feeling inspired, refreshed to bring new insights and vitality to both your professional and personal life.

What's included?

We have a monthly schedule of interesting engaging topics!

  • Monthly live sessions (recorded with 30 days access if not able to attend live)

  • Sessions are 3rd Thursday of the Month (6.30pm Sydney Time).

  • Private online community

  • Sessions led by Dr Belinda Ratcliffe - with occasional guest speakers

  • A curated resource/reading list

  • 1 hour Active CPD per session attended live

About Dr Belinda Ratcliffe

Phd, Clinical Psychologist


Dr. Belinda Ratcliffe is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist, transformational leader, and CEO of the Emotions Clinic Australia. With over 25 years of experience and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney’s Sydney Medical School, Dr. Ratcliffe is renowned for her innovative, evidence-based approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals, professionals, and those navigating complex mental health challenges and significant life transitions. 

A former award-winning Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University, Dr. Ratcliffe’s expertise spans healthcare, education, and disability sectors, with a particular focus on compassion-based models of care. Her work integrates creativity, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge research to foster positive, sustainable change for individuals, families, and healthcare providers. Dr. Ratcliffe’s deep knowledge across health, disability, and education has led her to develop innovative training programs, provide clinical supervision, and lead professional development workshops for over 3,000 professionals across the Asia-Pacific. Her focus on creating evidence-based interventions has made her a sought-after trainer, supervisor, and consultant, driving transformation in both professional and clinical environments. 

As a multi-award-winning researcher and published author, Dr. Ratcliffe has made significant contributions to the field, including her work as lead author for the Westmead Feelings Program for Autistic Children who also have Mild Intellectual Disability. Her research has garnered attention for its ability to bridge the gap between academia and real world outcomes.  

In 2023–2024, Dr. Ratcliffe took a part-time sabbatical to study contemporary approaches to compassion, mindfulness, grief, and loss internationally. She is now combining this advanced study with a Master’s of Palliative Care at Flinders University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Compassion and Mindfulness from Nan Tien Institute. This study deepens her knowledge and strengthens her commitment to compassionate, person-centred care for individuals in need, particularly those navigating end-of-life transitions. 

As a Board-Approved Supervisor, Dr. Ratcliffe mentors and guides clinicians to achieve high standards of practice. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, reflexivity, and self-care as integral components of ethical and sustainable practice. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, self-awareness, and the belief that clinicians must also be nurtured in order to best support their clients. Dr. Ratcliffe’s unique blend of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and compassionate leadership informs her Cultivating Reflection, Reflexivity, and Self-Care community, founded in 2025—five years after the inception of the Emotions Clinic Australia. This community represents the next iteration of Dr. Ratcliffe’s commitment to the wellbeing of those who care for the most vulnerable members of our society. Through this program, she guides psychologists and mental health professionals in creating sustainable, ethical, and compassionate practices. 

Pricing options

✅ Best Value: Membership – $29/month (12-Month Plan). Enjoy your first month free and see if it’s right for you!

Sample of Topics

Upcoming monthly topics are announced to the community 1-week prior to each live event :)

Empathy vs. Compassion: Understanding the Difference and Its Role in Professional Well-Being

Overview: Explore the emotional and cognitive distinctions between empathy and compassion, and how both contribute to professional resilience. This session will help professionals understand the fine line between empathy as an emotional connection and compassion as an actionable response to alleviate suffering.


Emotional Labor & Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy

Overview: Caring for others requires emotional energy, but how can we protect ourselves while offering support? This session will cover the importance of setting boundaries and the practice of emotional labor in mental health work, ensuring professionals can maintain their energy and empathy without sacrificing their own well-being.


Working with Uncertainty: Embracing the Unknown in Therapy

Overview: Mental health professionals often encounter ambiguity in client presentations and treatment paths. This topic will discuss how to approach uncertainty, strengthen resilience in unpredictable situations, and foster adaptive responses when outcomes are unclear.


What Can Caring Professionals Learn from Nature?

Overview: Nature offers profound lessons in adaptability, resilience, and compassion. This session will explore how professionals can integrate nature's wisdom into their practice and personal lives to nurture their well-being and develop a deeper understanding of life’s natural cycles.


Therapist Identity & Evolution: Growing Alongside Your Clients

Overview: Our professional journey shapes how we work with clients, and just as they evolve, so do we. This session will focus on the evolution of a therapist's identity—embracing personal growth and developing therapeutic wisdom over time.


Same Same, But Different: Understanding Common Humanity

Overview: As therapists, we often feel a deep connection to clients’ struggles. This session will emphasize the importance of recognizing our shared human experience and the power of common humanity in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection.


Leaving a Legacy of Compassion

📖 “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles
Overview: This session will delve into the impact therapists leave behind in their clients’ lives. How can professionals ensure their work, compassion, and teachings become an enduring source of healing and transformation for others?


Authenticity: Personal vs. Professional Life

📖 “Be yourself—everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde
Overview: Maintaining authenticity in therapy is essential for both client and therapist growth. This topic will explore the balance between personal and professional identity, focusing on how to stay true to oneself while cultivating compassion for others.


Ethical Reflexivity: Integrity in Practice

📖 “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis
Overview: Ethical reflection is crucial to ensuring high-quality practice. This session will focus on how mental health professionals can engage in ethical reflexivity, holding themselves accountable to both personal and professional ethical standards.


Burnout & Sustainable Practice: Caring Without Burning Out

📖 “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” — Unknown
Overview: Preventing burnout is key to a sustainable career in mental health. This session will explore practical ways to manage stress, avoid compassion fatigue, and maintain long-term well-being by creating a balanced, sustainable practice.


Seeing Clearly in Therapy: Cultivating New Perspectives

📖 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” — Marcel Proust
Overview: Discovering new perspectives is fundamental for therapists, not just for clients but for ourselves as well. This session will highlight how to cultivate fresh ways of thinking to better serve clients and support personal growth.


Compassion – Holding Suffering with Strength & Wisdom

Overview: Compassion is the heart of therapeutic work, but holding space for suffering requires resilience and wisdom. This session will explore the art of compassionate care and how professionals can strengthen their emotional and mental capacity to hold space for others.


The Art of Adaptability: Thriving in Change

📖 “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein
Overview: Adaptability is essential in both therapy and life. This session will explore how mental health professionals can cultivate resilience and thrive through change, learning to adjust their practices, ideas, and attitudes in an ever-evolving environment.


Cultivating Cultural Humility: A Compassionate Approach to Ethical Practice
Overview: Explore how cultural humility—rooted in self-reflection, openness, and lifelong learning—enhances ethical, compassionate, and inclusive psychological practice.


Expanding Relational Spaces: Leadership in Therapeutic Practice
Relationship Leadership Theory (Cunliffe & Eriksen, 2011) highlights how leadership emerges through meaningful interactions. For psychologists, this framework offers a way to deepen therapeutic relationships, enhance supervision, and foster ethical, reflective practice within complex systems.


Micro Acts of Compassion: Small Actions, Big Impact

In the demanding world of mental health, micro-acts of compassion—small, intentional acts of compassion toward clients, colleagues, and oneself—can enhance therapeutic relationships, prevent burnout, and foster a culture of care. Research shows that these simple yet powerful actions contribute to emotional resilience, ethical practice, and professional fulfillment, making them a vital tool for sustainable, high-quality psychological care.


Embracing 'Both and' Paradox and Transformation in Psychology
This session explores how embracing paradox—holding multiple truths simultaneously—can foster growth and transformation in psychology. It encourages psychologists to navigate complexity, facilitating personal and professional evolution.


Searching for Answers vs. Living into the Question: Lessons from a Young Poet
This session draws on a young poet's wisdom to explore the power of living into the question rather than seeking quick answers, encouraging psychologists to embrace uncertainty for deeper self-awareness and growth.


The Art of Listening and Speaking: Mindful Dyads for Deeper Connection
This session explores the practice of mindful dyads, where participants engage in both mindful talking and mindful listening, fostering deeper connections and enhancing communication skills. Psychologists can use this technique to deepen their own practice of presence.


Spirituality: The Missing Link in Modern Psychology?
This session explores the role of spirituality in psychological practice, examining how integrating spiritual dimensions can enhance mental health care. Routinely included in end of life and palliative care psychology, we’ll explore the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating spirituality into therapeutic relationships.


The Evolution of Consciousness in Psychology: From Materialism to Transcendence?
This session delves into the evolution of psychological theories of consciousness, exploring the shift from materialist perspectives to those embracing transcendence and higher states of awareness. We’ll examine how these evolving approaches influence modern therapeutic practices and the potential for integrating more holistic, transformative models in mental health care.


Is There a Place for Love in Psychology? 
Love has often been considered an emotional or spiritual concept, distinct from the scientific rigor of psychology. However, emerging research suggests that love—both in the therapeutic relationship and as a foundational aspect of human well-being—has profound psychological benefits. This session explores how love, compassion, and connection play pivotal roles in healing, mental health, and the therapeutic process, drawing on studies that highlight the importance of attachment, empathy, and positive relationships in fostering resilience and emotional growth. Could love be a fundamental force for therapeutic change in psychology?


Integrating Values, Goals, and Behaviors on Dabrowski's Mountain of Personal Development
Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration presents a model for personal growth that involves moving beyond simple self-satisfaction towards a deeper, more complex integration of values, goals, and behaviors. This session explores how driving from your core values—by aligning them with your goals and behaviors—can propel you up Dabrowski's mountain of personal development. It examines how striving for self-actualization and navigating disintegration leads to transformative growth.


Compassionate Mind Training: Cultivating Emotional Resilience
Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals build self-compassion and emotional resilience. This session explores how CMT can reduce emotional distress and enhance well-being by fostering a compassionate mindset


**TOPICS are SUBJECT TO CHANGE **  in response to needs/requests on topics

Join Our Compassionate Community for Psychologists

with Dr Belinda Ratcliffe - PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Discover a space designed to nurture, inspire, and sustain you in your professional and personal journey. Through self-care, reflection, and ongoing personal growth, this community empowers psychologists to thrive—resourcing from within to provide exceptional care to clients while maintaining their own resilience and wellbeing. A vital contribution to the mental health field, this community offers practical tools, meaningful connection, and deep support to help you navigate the challenges of your work with renewed energy and compassion. You are warmly welcome to join us.