Frequently asked questions.

Participants may find that the value of reflective consultation increases over time, so some find a monthly session valuable, others prefer fortnightly, others less frequently. Some alternate an individual and a session with colleagues. 

The process always starts with an initial discussion to see whether this is something you wish to pursue. We suggest committing to four sessions to start. The fourth session is used to review the process and to explore what may be useful going forward. 

Sessions can be invoiced in blocks. 

The Reflective Consultation Service is a professional development activity, and would fall under Category 2: Reviewing Performance/Reviewing and Reflecting on Practice of the Medical Board of Australia registration standard for CPD. Given this, it is expected to meet requirements for tax deductibility and CME funding. However, these are specific questions for your organisation and/or accountant. 

Individual sessions usually last 50 minutes. Group sessions may benefit from a longer timeframe to enable time and space for all participants to have the opportunity to engage. 

Reflective consultation can occur in either or both formats. Clinicians typically elect to start with individual sessions, but may ultimately find value in group reflection as well. What you bring to and get from a group reflective consultation with colleagues can be different to an individual consultation.

Yes. You should ensure you have a quiet, confidential place where you will not be easily interrupted. This service is based in Victoria, and online sessions can make it available to clinicians working interstate, regionally and remotely, and those for whom online sessions suit their schedule and life.   

Yes. Facilitated reflective consultations can work well as an adjunct to peer clinical reviews. Small groups of colleagues may wish to participate together.

Yes. However, given the inherent vulnerability that a reflective consultation may elicit, one-on-one preparatory discussions about team dynamics and boundaries are essential to ensure all attendees feel psychologically safe during and after the consultation.

This service is run from Melbourne. On site sessions for multiple clinicians can be explored on an individual basis. This may include regional locations.

Yes. However, confidentiality is fundamental to the process. All clinical cases should be deidentified. When discussing cases, only first names are used, and you are welcome to assign a pseudonym to your cases. However, particularly in group sessions with colleagues, it is always possible that cases can be able to be reidentified by other clinicians present. If this occurs during a session, it is discussed as part of the reflective discussion. 

The Reflective Consultation Service draws on themes and techniques that occur in supervision for mental health clinicians. However, it does not specifically focus on more technical or procedural aspects of your clinical work. The advantage of undertaking reflective consultation in an interdisciplinary way allows us to separate from the questions of “which medication” or “what technique”, to explore aspects of interactions in a holistic way. 

This is not coaching or mentoring, although some elements of the Reflective Consultation process may feel similar at times. It differs in that the Reflective Consultation service is facilitated by a clinical psychologist who has extensive experience working with medical practitioners around complex patients. It allows the session to also incorporate an aspect of secondary consultation around what psychological components may be influencing complex situations. This active, interdisciplinary perspective can add to a more comprehensive understanding of issues being explored.

Some clinicians find it valuable to engage in multiple different types of personal and clinical support and professional development that are complementary to each other. 

Although this is not therapy, at times you may explore emotions that could also come up within a therapeutic space. If during reflective consultations, issues arise that may benefit from a referral for a therapeutic intervention, this can be explored.  

Bring your curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore your own uncertainties in the context of clinical work or organisational systems issues.