I found this tape recorder at the back of a cupboard when we were making the office more ‘lean’ and I rescued it from the skip! During my training I would audio record supervision sessions on one of these, to collect NVQ evidence, and also for reflective discussions with my PTA. These discussions often felt clunky and uncomfortable, but nevertheless this recorder represents the start of my journey as a reflective practitioner. Although sometimes it can seem like a luxury, I think that reflection is such an important tool – it’s helped me to work through challenges, to learn, to unpick complexity, to recognise limitations, to work through difficult feelings, to empathise, to change perspective and at times to keep well. Reflection for me is therefore integral to being a good practitioner.