Our Creative Arts Therapies team sees first-hand the many exciting benefits of reflective practice in education. Read ahead to find out what reflective practice is and the impact it can have on both staff wellbeing and your organisation as a whole.
The Rise of Burnout in Education
In schools across the country, educators and support staff show up every day for children and young people, often carrying the emotional weight of their students’ life experiences. Working with young people affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, attachment disruptions, and emotional or behavioural challenges can take a significant toll on even the most dedicated professionals.
Over time, this emotional strain, known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, can lead to burnout. When staff feel isolated or overwhelmed by the complexity of their roles, the impact is not only personal but can ripple across the whole school community.
What is Reflective Practice in Education?
Reflective practice in education is one of the most effective ways to safeguard against burnout and re-energise staff teams. This can also be known as creative clinical supervision. These structured, therapist-led spaces offer professionals the chance to pause, process, and make meaning of their experiences with peers who understand the emotional realities of working in education.
At One Education, the Creative Arts Therapies team has seen first-hand the transformative power of these groups. Just today, while working with a group of support staff facing a seemingly impossible emotional situation, one person reflected at the end of the session: “Coming here today felt like having a bath.” There were no easy answers, no magic solutions to the situation they were navigating, but the simple act of being heard, sharing space with others, and allowing the story to be witnessed left her feeling refreshed, reassured, and ready to return to her work.
Research backs up these lived experiences. Studies in trauma-informed practice (Knight, 2013) show that sharing stories in a safe and supportive setting can reduce feelings of isolation, normalise emotional reactions, and help staff reframe difficult encounters, preventing burnout and nurturing professional curiosity.
Other research highlights the healing power of storytelling itself. Even when the stories shared don’t lead to happy endings, the act of naming and witnessing them in a group helps the brain process distress, reconnect with empathy, and soften the emotional load (Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999).
Understandably, some senior leaders worry that reflective spaces might become forums for frustration or dissent – especially when emotions are raw. But time and again, the opposite proves true. When staff feel heard and supported, the emotional charge around difficult situations often softens. Rather than feeding negativity, these groups create a space for thoughtful reflection, shared understanding, and professional growth. The result is a stronger, more connected, and more resilient team.
How Can We Support Reflective Practice in Education?
At One Education, our Creative Arts Therapies service is experienced in holding these spaces with compassion and skill. Our qualified, registered therapists guide staff teams to explore the impact of trauma and attachment on both students and themselves, offering creative ways to manage stress and stay emotionally available in challenging environments.
Reflective Practice Groups aren’t about finding quick fixes, they are about creating space for understanding, compassion, and connection. They remind staff that even the hardest days don’t have to be carried alone, and that sharing the load can make all the difference.
If your school is seeking a meaningful way to support staff wellbeing and reduce burnout, One Education’s Creative Arts Therapies team is here to help. Together, we can build reflective spaces that acknowledge the challenges, celebrate the wins, and sustain the people who make a difference every day.
To find out more about reflective practice in education, please contact our Creative Arts Therapies team.
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