Why Research Matters: Counseling, Misinformation, and the Measles Outbreak
When misinformation spreads, fear isn’t far behind, and neither is confusion. That’s where counseling can help.
Many people come to therapy not just to process emotions but to make sense of the world around them. The news cycle, social media, and even family chats can leave people overwhelmed and unsure who or what to believe.
Counseling provides a space to slow down, sort through mixed messages, and reconnect with facts, values, and goals. In moments of public uncertainty, like the current measles outbreak here in West Texas, those tools become essential.
The Role of Misinformation
Whether it's about masks, vaccines, or the latest health scare, misinformation thrives in times of stress. Posts get shared quickly, often without context or evidence. I've seen it firsthand, from comments downplaying COVID in its early days to recent claims about the measles outbreak that ignore decades of epidemiological and public health research.
That kind of messaging doesn’t just create confusion; it creates harm. It undermines trust in medical professionals, dismisses the experiences of those affected, and fuels unnecessary division.
Science Isn’t Perfect—But It’s Self-Correcting
Science is built on curiosity, replication, and humility. It adapts as we learn more. That doesn't make it weak; it makes it trustworthy. Researchers and healthcare workers don’t claim perfection. We commit to progress. And when new data arrives, we pivot. That’s how we grow.
In the counseling world, we follow that same model. We rely on evidence-based practice, not because it’s trendy but because it works. The same holds true for public health professionals. Evidence-based practices are just what the name implies, evidence that is based on what the best available research tells us will keep people safe.
Respectful Dialogue Matters
Disagreement isn’t the problem. Disrespect is. Therapy helps people find language for hard conversations, including ones around science and public safety. Whether you're talking to a loved one who’s skeptical or trying to understand your own discomfort with changing guidelines, counseling offers a grounded space to explore without shame.
Strategize Your Success
At Tactical Counseling, we believe mental clarity and emotional regulation are just as vital as medical facts. If the world feels overwhelming, or if you’re caught between what you hear and what you feel, therapy can help bridge that gap with critical thinking, grounded presence, and support.
Resources for Further Reading:
- • Measles Information – CDC
- • Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science (2024) – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
- The Conspiracy Chart – Abbie Richards