Evidence

“Do you know what we call opinion in the absence of evidence? We call it prejudice.” Michael Crichton

This week’s topic of conversation is “evidence” and as a social worker and mental health professional, evidence is often a subject in my space.

From time to time, us humans go into negative thinking or have thinking errors.  Finding evidence to support or disprove this is essential.  This is especially useful if in the “jumping to conclusions” trap where we tend to mind-read what others think.  Searching for evidence can change the whole conversation or content.  Personal bias or filtering is also a trap; we often focus on the negatives rather than the whole day, in which more positive events or glimmers occur.  How we view the world can really impact on what we see and/or experience.

When it comes to therapies, I also look for evidence-based therapies to know that they work in real life and for my clients.  When working with a client under a Mental Health Care Plan, I need to utilise skills and/or therapies that are under the focused psychological strategies as approved by the Australian Government.

Often for many of us, speaking about an issue out aloud can assist us moving forward or seeing an answer to the question.  That time to reflect is so important for us all.  Sitting with a client and keeping the space to allow this to occur, is an art, especially if they are upset or distressed at the time.  Learning to sit and allow them the space, the time to reflect and even grieve is so necessary. 

My challenge to you all this week, is to look for the evidence in all that you do or speak of.  Is it true?  What evidence supports this?  Is it true and just, or an opinion that you have formed?  These questions may lead you to a different point of view, or they may reinforce your belief.

It never hurts to explore and find other alternatives to one point of view.