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 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.

Video

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. 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

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, 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. 

Pricing

Exclusive Founding Member - LAUNCH SPECIAL until 30th June 2025

WINTER 2025 SERIES

Monthly Topics Announced toward the end of each season


Like to Plan Ahead?

We warmly invite you to pop these dates in your calendar. Once a month on Thursdays (with a small chance of a shuffle here and there). Let these sessions be a little anchor in your month — a pause, a practice, a deep breath.

12 June 2025

10 July 2025

14 August 2025

18 September 2025

16 October

13 November 2025

18 December 2025

15 January 2026

19 February 2026

19 March 2026

16 April 2026

21 May 2026

18 June 2026

16 July 2026

20 August 2026

17 September 2026

15 October 2026

20 November 2026

17 December 2026


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 reflexivity, this community empowers mental health professionals 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.

Where can I learn about the AHPRA Professional Competencies for Psychologists?

Visit AHPRA here

Professional competencies for psychology - effective 1st Dec 2025

Reflection, Reflexivity and Self-care are now considered essential competencies (see Competency 3 "Exercises professional reflexivity, purposeful and [deliberate practice], and self-care")