Journalling and critical reflection are vital to any journey toward well-being.
Critical self-reflection is the process of questioning one’s own assumptions, presuppositions, and meaning perspectives (Mezirow, 2006). Transitions and transformations, in both a personal and professional capacity, involve navigating life from one phase or stage to another, and the process of critical self-reflection allows us to assess, reassess, or adapt (Bee 2000) as we go/grow.
Critical self-reflection is different from other forms of reflection as it involves questioning our meaning and reflecting on our purpose through iterations of reflexion (reflective action). Critical reflection helps us to understand, and develop ways of acting through our understanding of, the assumptions that govern our actions (Stein, 2000).
To be a therapeutic practitioner, i.e., one who supports the self and helps others in healing and therapeutic ways, we must know ourselves: knowing who we are and why we do what we do, which is at the root of mental health.
The why is the strongest predictor of the how.
My Potential For Well-being
Know, Balance, Heal, Grow
Start With The Self!
Pause and reflect, then aim to finish the following sentence prompt with as many descriptors as you can:
I am . . .
Now, look at those words and reflect critically on them:
What do they say about who you are?
Why you have become an educator or leader?
Where do you have the potential to go and grow?
Reflect on the Following . . .
Consider these words from Parker Palmer: The Heart of a Teacher (2008)
Now consider your journey . . .
What moves you . . .
Brainstorm: Concept mapping is an active process that can lead to much self-discovery (Novak & Cañas, 2008). Mapping ideas is essential to self-inquiry and critical reflection, as seeing your thoughts materialize on a page can be therapeutic in itself. Journalling, mapping, and finding other forms of creatively expressing ideas on a page, or any canvas really, helps stress move through the body and leave the system.
Physiologically, the art of reflection and action is vitally good for your health.
Self-Assessment:
Self-assessment is a great place to start. The Human Curriculum begins here with a critical reflection in the following areas.
- Create a Three-chart like the one seen below. Use the M and R area components to ask yourself: Have I grown a lot in this area already? Am I growing and cultivating skills here now? Is there room for me to grow here?
- Follow a process for reflection. I use Aware, Care, Cope (ACC®). As you move through cycles of self-inquiry, think of yourself as moving through cycles of growth -not unlike how plants grow, flow, resist, and build strength. We do some of this for ourselves, however, we master it in community and connection with others.
Aware Care Cope
Cope, Manage, Grow, Heal, Repeat!
Three Chart
The M Areas
Self-Assessment 1
The R Areas
Self Assessment 2
Once you have an idea of your roles and goals regarding personal and professional well-being, you are set. The next phase requires making plans, staying focused, and tracking progress as you go. The goal is never perfection in this phase of self-inquiry: if you set the bar at perfect, you go to bed a failure every night. The goal is good enough!
Start
Make Mistakes
Reach out for Help
Grow & Heal
Many of the components of Therapeutic Teaching are offered throughout this site. However, it is best to have a guide on any journey, especially one that requires strength, vulnerability, and courage. If you ever feel alone in this process, connect with Dr. Judy and she can work with you or your organization, or refer you if she cannot provide what you need.
®Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, RTC, MTC