Dr. Wendy Denham

About Reflective Capacity

Many of our thoughts and feelings go unobserved, but they can lead to repetitive, negative patterns in our work and family lives.

Having the ability to slow down, observe, and reflect is crucial for regaining understanding, transforming actions, and finding forward momentum in life and relationships.

The more practiced and capable you are at reflecting on thought and interactions, the better able you are to transform actions and improve relationships. This ability involves understanding how behavior is motivated by mental states and how mental states are both separate and interconnected.

Importantly, reflective capacity can be improved and enhanced in anyone willing to work on learning to reflect on their experiences.

The benefits extend to many kinds of relationships.

Parent, child and family relationships

A higher reflective capacity has been demonstrated to be protective against the intergenerational transmission of trauma. It is also crucial in the development of secure parent-child relationships.

A secure attachment with a parent or caregiver provides the best possible foundation for healthy physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. A securely attached child is curious and outgoing, able to freely play and explore, and also able to ask for help when they need it. They demonstrate increased resilience in the face of stress and difficulty.

LEARN MORE

Organizational And Workplace Relationships

The ability to reflect has also been demonstrated to be crucial for healthy organizational growth, morale, and conflict resolution.

We’re all aware or have been part of organizations where there is an absence of a reflective culture that can lead to a toxic work environment. Creating the conditions for reflection within a workplace setting develops feelings of safety and improves workplace morale, motivation, and performance.

Learn More