The Assumption Trap

A Critical Thinking Challenge for Mental Health Social Work Practice

How quickly do we form judgements? What assumptions hide beneath our professional assessments? This activity challenges you to pause, question, and explore alternative explanations — practising respectful uncertainty essential to ethical mental health social work.

Progress

Stage 1: First Impressions

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Case Vignette

Read carefully. Notice your initial thoughts.

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Your Critical Thinking Journey

Review how your thinking evolved through this exercise

Key Takeaways for Practice

⏸️ Pause before concluding — First impressions often reflect our biases, not the full picture
🔄 Generate alternatives — There are always multiple explanations for any situation
🌍 Consider context — Structural factors, culture, and circumstances shape behaviour
❓ Embrace uncertainty — "Respectful uncertainty" protects families from our blind spots