Reflective/Reminiscing Therapy

To Reminisce and Reflect

The practice of reflective/reminiscing therapy is being discovered to be therapeutic to the psychosocial well-being of clients and clinicians. For clarity, Kofoed (2011) defined reflection as the contemplation of one’s personal and professional actions with the purpose of improving the present and future encounter. Multiple studies suggested the implications of life review as an effective way to lift the person’s depressed mood by focusing on his strengths and accomplishments. Likewise, nurses can benefit from the reflective therapy personally and professionally. In fact, reflective therapy can aid a nurse in maintaining his integrity in coping with major life changes, adapting to new roles and responsibilities, and application of theory into the nursing practice.

In a personal level, a nurse can be more effective when his mind is collected and his life’s outlook is positive. Kofoed (2011) suggested reflecting through writing a personal

Kofoed (2011) also referred to the practice of reflect-in-action. To explain further, Kofoed (2011) informed that as a beginner nurse adjusts to his new role and responsibilities, he continuously reflects on his past experience and knowledge and uses them in making decisions. As a leader, a nurse can boost the morale of his followers by reflective therapy or debriefing after a difficult case. In this way, everyone can discuss the problems and possible solutions in the future.

Thirdly, reflective therapy assists the nurse in the theory application to the nursing practice. In the clinical settings, nurses are limited in time to reflect uninterruptedly. However, Kofoed (2011) cited that an opportunity for the reflection can be in the form of a case conference. This method will allow a nurse to present a case, analyze the scenario, and gain feedbacks from the multidisciplinary team for