The title of this article came from a student who joined the author's PGCE tutor group in the second semester of last year. It was made during a group reflection activity. The title was fascinating, as was the response from other members of the group: "there's no hiding in here--we all talk." Collaborative journal writing between mentor and mentee, and between mentees on a pre-service professional teacher education programme can enhance and support reflective development. The development and evidencing of reflective practice, as a product, is a vital component of many professional programmes. Reflection upon professional practice, however, does not necessarily occur in a straightforward or unproblematic manner, and may be a painful and intrusive experience. The "fear of going through the looking glass" analogy has personal, social and political implications that must be handled with sensitivity.