This article critically reviews the use of reflexive thematic analysis (TA) in *Health Promotion International* (HPI), focusing on the quality and coherence of research practices. The authors, Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke, explore both problematic and good practices in TA, emphasizing the importance of methodological congruence—where different elements of a study align well. They review 31 papers published between 2010 and 2023, highlighting issues such as the integration of postpositivist values into non-positivist TA and the conceptualization of themes, particularly the use of 'topic summaries' as themes. The review also discusses the lack of researcher reflexivity and the dominance of positivist and realist practices in qualitative research. The authors provide recommendations for improving the quality of TA research, including the need for researchers to own their perspectives, reflect on theoretical assumptions, and justify their methodological choices. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity within TA approaches and selecting the most appropriate method for the research context. The article aims to support researchers and reviewers in conducting and reviewing high-quality TA research, promoting methodological congruence and enhancing the overall quality of health promotion research.This article critically reviews the use of reflexive thematic analysis (TA) in *Health Promotion International* (HPI), focusing on the quality and coherence of research practices. The authors, Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke, explore both problematic and good practices in TA, emphasizing the importance of methodological congruence—where different elements of a study align well. They review 31 papers published between 2010 and 2023, highlighting issues such as the integration of postpositivist values into non-positivist TA and the conceptualization of themes, particularly the use of 'topic summaries' as themes. The review also discusses the lack of researcher reflexivity and the dominance of positivist and realist practices in qualitative research. The authors provide recommendations for improving the quality of TA research, including the need for researchers to own their perspectives, reflect on theoretical assumptions, and justify their methodological choices. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity within TA approaches and selecting the most appropriate method for the research context. The article aims to support researchers and reviewers in conducting and reviewing high-quality TA research, promoting methodological congruence and enhancing the overall quality of health promotion research.