Critical reflective practice: exploring a reflective group forum through the use of Bion’s theory of group processes

Abstract

This article examines intersubjective processes connected with working as a member of an applied psychology group, proposing a theoretical framework from which to examine the critical reflective processes that took place within a group of professional practitioners. On the basis of a reflective interpretive analysis, this paper seeks to investigate how concepts developed by Wilfred Bion offer a framework for the making sense of thinking, learning and experiencing that took place within a reflective practice space developed by the group. Utilising Bion’s concept of parallel conscious and unconscious group processes that lead to the accumulation of both knowledge and non-knowledge within groups, the argument is made that group affiliation offers a powerful explanation of the situated nature of seemingly individualized thinking, learning and knowing. Reflections on practice of newly qualified practitioners reveal shared frustrations that when considered from a theorised critical reflective stance offer insight into how thinking is structured within professional practice as an applied psychologist in such a way as to promote a form of instrumentalised thinking and acting in which the embodied experience of practice is to a degree negated.

Keywords:

• critical reflective practice
• Bion
• group dynamics
• experience
• knowledge
• non-knowledge