"GETTING PERSONAL ON REFLECTING TEAMS"

Patricia M. Cole, Ph.D. Lisa A. Demeritt, M.S. Karen Shatz, M.S.W. Marcia Sapoznik, M.S.

Family Therapy Program, School of Social and Systemic Studies, Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

Reflecting teams remain a creative way of bending the tradition of a therapy team hidden behind a one way mirror. Several therapists have adapted the original reflecting team concept to fit with a more narrative tradition, particularly that of encouraging reflecting team members to talk about their personal experiences. This concept will be illustrated through a case example with the therapist, team members, and supervisor sharing their different perspectives. The discussion concludes with specific guidelines to help ensure the effectiveness of reflecting team self disclosure.