So I decided today, to start a reflective journal. For a couple of reasons really:
1. Its a good skill to have
2. It appears to be an essential requirement in order to be able to become a Clinical Psychologist!
3. It may benefit my psychological well-being.
Being reflective, as I understand it at the moment is "the capacity to reflect on action so as to engage in a process of continuous learning".
And so this means I should reflect on experiences in terms of how I felt, my response to particular situations and how/what I should of done differently?
My aim is to have at least one reflection a week, if not more.
My first reflection is about a situation I was recently faced with at a place a volunteer, in which a patient was asking for my number/address. The reason they wanted it was because they wanted to send me a small gift, or organise for their partner send it. I believe they meant no harm in it at all, however due to policies we are not allowed to give out personal details.
In terms of dealing with the situation I tried to side-step giving her my details by saying I would collect the gift next week, and after she persisted slightly I said I couldn't remember my address as I had only recently moved.
Now I chose this method of dealing with the situation as I didn't want to hurt her feelings, or make her feel isolated as a "patient". But I am now thinking perhaps I should have just been honest with her as to why I couldn't give out my details, rather than "lying"?
Another point to make is, am I thinking I should've changed the way I dealt with the situation for her behalf, or because I feel guilty?
Another question to think about is, if there wasn't a policy saying I couldn't give out my details - would I be happy in doing so? And would the fact she was a patient, affect my decision in doing so? This is definitely something I need to think more about.
Sarah.
