Cultivating Reflection, Reflexivity, and Self-Care – Essential Competencies for Psychologists
A membership community - with Dr Belinda Ratcliffe
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 and competencies 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.
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)
We have a monthly schedule of interesting engaging topics!
Monthly live sessions. First half of session, including meditation and presentation is recorded if unable to attend live (break out groups and large group discussion is not recorded)
Sessions are Thursday evening once per Month (6.30pm Sydney Time). Check upcoming dates for this season below
Private online community within our course platform - no FB groups here :)
Sessions led by Dr Belinda Ratcliffe - with occasional guest speakers
A curated resource/reading list
1 hour Active CPD per session attended live
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, whole person-centred care for individuals, families and the professionally who support and care for them.
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.
Monthly Topics Announced toward the end of each season
Visit AHPRA here
Reflection, Reflexivity and Self-care are now considered essential competencies (see Competency 3 "Exercises professional reflexivity, purposeful and [deliberate practice], and self-care")