A Qualitative Understanding of Reflecting Teams I: Client Perspectives

Abstract

Reflecting Teams or Reflecting Process are a complex clinical phenomena that have been described in case studies. However, understanding of the impact of this treatment modality on client systems from clients’ perspectives is still in its infancy. To better understand the process, the authors implemented a qualitative study of clients’ impressions of Reflecting Team practice. Clients’ perspectives are considered to be important voices in an appraisal of any treatment method. An ethnographic design was used to capture some of the complexity of Reflecting Team practice. The authors found support in the clients’ comments for the benefits of Reflecting Team practice that are made in the literature. One benefit was that valid multiple realities are presented to clients in a process that demands polyocular consideration. In addition, clients’ perceived limitations of Reflecting Teams are described Implications of the findings are briefly discussed.