Department of Families, Fairness and Housing - Forensic Disability and Complex Needs
What we did:
ThinkWell partnered with Forensic Disability and Complex Needs Services (FDS) to strengthen reflective practice capability across a large, geographically dispersed workforce. Through this work, we provided training and ongoing reflective practice group facilitation to more than 100 practitioners and managers across the state.
The work began with a clear focus: supporting practitioners to confidently engage in and facilitate reflective practice, while strengthening their capacity to slow down, think clearly, and work safely within complex care contexts.
In collaboration with senior leaders, we designed and delivered a tailored, one-day reflective practice training program for the statewide workforce. The training established a shared understanding of:
- The purpose and value of reflective practice in high-demand roles
- The neurobiology of stress, reflection, and decision-making
- Practical processes to support reflection and embed reflective practices in day-to-day work
This foundation helped staff understand not only how to engage in reflective practice, but why it matters.
Following the training, ThinkWell facilitated monthly reflective practice groups for teams statewide. These sessions provided regular, structured opportunities for practitioners to:
- Pause and gain perspective on complex work
- Reflect alongside peers in a psychologically safe space
- Strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and shared understanding
Evaluation feedback highlighted benefits including: improved clarity in decision-making, reduced stress, increased confidence in reflective approaches, and a stronger sense of professional connection and support.
Where reflective practice proved harder to embed, ThinkWell worked alongside leaders to refine group structures, strengthen facilitation approaches, and address systemic barriers. This ensured the work remained responsive to the realities of the service context.
Building on strong outcomes and workforce feedback, FDS has contracted ThinkWell for a further 12 months. This next phase focuses on embedding reflective practice more deeply and sustainably through:
- Refresher and extension training for practitioners
- Leadership-focused workshops to support implementation and strengthen a reflective practice culture across the program
- Ongoing reflective practice groups for practitioners, team leaders, and senior management
What they said:
The facilitator was very insightful and able to provide resources which related to what we as a group were discussing and feeling. It felt like a safe space to discuss any concerns and problem solve in a positive way.
Having a highly skilled facilitator who could re-orient conversations and provide additional resources or frameworks to the group and help us to think ‘beyond’ our immediate concerns.
The Reflective practice sessions have been really beneficial to my morale and that of my colleagues. The sessions provide a neutral space for colleagues to express themselves freely (& safely) with skilled guidance.