Definition
The Description stage involves recounting an event or experience factually and objectively, without interpretation, judgment, or emotion. It establishes the foundation for reflective learning by ensuring the situation is clearly understood and accurately documented.
Explanation
In Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, the first stage asks the supervisee to describe what happened in a specific mediation session or scenario. The focus is on observable details rather than assumptions or emotions, which will be explored later in the cycle (Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis).
Key Elements of Description
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Facts – Who was present? What actions or statements occurred?
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Chronology – What happened first, next, and last?
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Behaviour – Focus on observable actions, not inferred intentions.
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Context – Session setting, topics discussed, procedural notes.
For FDR practitioners, this stage reflects obligations under the Family Law Act 1975 and the FDRP Regulations 2025 to maintain neutrality, accurate case records, and accountability in supervision.
Application in Supervision
The Description stage ensures that both supervisor and supervisee share a common understanding of the event before moving into deeper reflection. Supervisors should encourage supervisees to provide a clear, step-by-step account, focusing only on what was observed.
Supervisor Prompt:
“Can you describe the session step by step, focusing only on what happened — not yet on how you felt or why it happened?”
Reflective Question for Learners
How easy is it for you to separate facts from feelings or interpretations when describing a mediation session? What challenges might arise?