Human Encounters: How Do People Feel After They Encounter Us?
Every human encounter leaves a psychological trace. This SSF Weekly Reflection explores what happens between people, how our emotional state and bias shape interactions, and why the question may not simply be what we intended, but what became possible for the other person after encountering us.
What Lens Are You Looking Through: Psychological Lenses?
Why do two people see exactly the same situation yet reach completely different conclusions? This reflection explores how our psychological lenses shape what we notice, what we overlook and how curiosity begins with examining the lens through which we see the world.
From Awareness to Action: When Systems Know What to Do-but Struggle to Do It
This week’s headlines reveal a widening gap between awareness and lived experience. Through the SSF Lens, Dr Shungu explores why recognising problems is only the beginning—and what it takes for systems to move towards meaningful change.
Why Harm Rarely Begins with Extremism: The Six Stages Framework and the Psychology of Escalation
What if harm rarely begins with extremism? This week’s SSF Weekly Reflection explores how the Six Stages Framework helps us understand the psychology of escalation. Rather than focusing only on visible acts of hate or extremism, it examines the gradual psychological movement from curiosity and dialogue towards certainty, division and harm, highlighting why recognising these movements early creates opportunities for prevention, belonging and systems change.
Why the Six Stages Framework Is More Than a Framework
This week’s SSF Weekly Reflection explores why the Six Stages Framework is becoming more than a framework—it is a way of thinking about human behaviour, belonging, psychological safety and systems change. Reflecting on current practice across education, leadership and public services, this edition considers the legacy of robust psychological thinking and the importance of building environments where people genuinely belong.
Developing the Six Stages Framework: When Ideas Need Different Homes
This week’s SSF Weekly Reflection explores an important shift in thinking: the Six Stages Framework is evolving into more than a psychological framework- it’s becoming an ecosystem of connected ideas. Discover why reflections, concepts, books, podcasts and philosophy each need their own home to grow, deepen understanding and create lasting impact.
The Cave of Symptoms: The Hidden Conditions Behind Behaviour, Attendance and Disengagement
What if behaviour, attendance and disengagement are not the real problem, but symptoms of something deeper? In this SSF Weekly Reflection, Dr Shungu M’gadzah explores the Cave of Symptoms—a Six Stages Framework metaphor for the way schools, organisations and systems often focus on visible outcomes while overlooking the conditions beneath them. From anxiety and unmet need to psychological safety, belonging and systems change, this reflection invites readers to look beyond surface explanations and ask what it truly takes to create environments where people can learn, contribute and thrive.
6 Ways Families Can Identify Hidden Biases in Families and Distorted Lenses
Children do not just inherit eye colour, routines or traditions — they also inherit lenses. In this short reflection, Dr Shungu explores six ways families can begin to identify the hidden biases, inherited beliefs and distorted narratives they may be passing on without even realising it. Using the Six Stages Framework and Building Bridges of Empathy, this video invites families to reflect on whose voices are missing, what stories are being repeated, and how empathy can be intentionally nurtured at home.
SSF Weekly Reflection #1: Moving from Certainty to Curiosity- The Cave of Simplification
https://youtu.be/JeoTylZlhf0 As I reflected on the conversations, case discussions, articles, podcasts, and resources developed this week, a common thread emerged: The Cave of Simplication: How do we remain open to complexity when we feel pressure to choose a side? Across education, leadership, inclusion, workplace culture, and current affairs, we repeatedly encountered the tension between certainty […]
Henry Nowak, the Search for Truth, and the Dangers of Distortion
The death of Henry Nowak is a tragedy. An 18-year-old young man lost his life in horrific circumstances. A family has been left grieving. Questions remain about the actions of those involved and about the decisions made in the final moments of Henry’s life. Those questions deserve to be investigated fully, transparently and fairly. At […]
