Learning Objectives
- Define the role of reflective practice in mediation supervision
- Describe Gibbs' six stages of reflection
- Apply Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to real or simulated mediation cases
- Evaluate how reflection supports professional growth and mediation outcomes
What is Gibbs' Reflective Cycle?
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1988) is a widely used framework for structured reflection. It guides practitioners through six stages, each designed to deepen learning from experience. This cycle supports critical thinking, emotional awareness, and professional growth — skills that are vital in mediation supervision. For Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, structured reflection also supports competence, ethical decision-making, and CPD obligations under the Family Law Act 1975 and FDRP Regulations 2025.
The Six Stages of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
Each stage builds on the previous one, creating a structured path from experience to action:
- Description – What happened? Provide factual, objective account of events
- Feelings – What were you thinking and feeling? Explore emotions and thoughts during the experience
- Evaluation – What was good and bad about the experience? Assess what went well and what didn't
- Analysis – Why did things happen the way they did? Explore underlying reasons and influences
- Conclusion – What else could you have done? Identify alternative approaches and insights gained
- Action Plan – If it arose again, what would you do? Determine specific steps for future practice
Why Reflection Matters in Mediation Supervision
Reflection is not about re-living difficult moments — it's about learning from them. In mediation supervision, structured reflection enables you to:
- Promotes self-awareness and accountability – recognising strengths, biases, and blind spots
- Improves decision-making – supporting thoughtful, theory-informed interventions in complex disputes
- Encourages continuous professional development – aligning with CPD and supervision requirements under the Family Law Act 1975 and FDRP Regulations 2025
- Enhances emotional regulation and resilience – enabling mediators to manage stress and remain neutral
Kolb vs. Gibbs: Which Reflective Model?
You may encounter other reflective models in your studies. Here's how Kolb's Learning Cycle compares to Gibbs' Reflective Cycle:
| Aspect | Kolb's Learning Cycle | Gibbs' Reflective Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Stages | 4 stages (Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualisation, Active Experimentation) | 6 stages (Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan) |
| Focus | Connects learning to theory; develops learning preferences | Structured emotional and critical reflection; supports professional decision-making |
| Best Used When | You want to understand the whole cycle of learning and connect practice to theory | You need a structured reflection tool for journaling, processing emotions, and setting action plans |
| In Supervision | Helps with cycles of development and broad learning trajectories | Supports deep reflection after specific cases and mediator-specific growth |
- Which stage do I usually skip — and how does that affect my practice?
- What would change if I followed all six steps during supervision?
- How could this model help me process difficult emotions during high-conflict mediations?