ABSTRACT
The espousing of (narrowly defined) evidence-based practice as an ideal leaves out a huge and legitimate realm of concern for the practice of psychology: that of the world and the actual experience of the person who presents urgently, in pain and in need. The human and spiritual dimension is integral to all healing. Empathy may be defined as the capacity to recognise, comprehend and respond with compassionate behaviours to the situations of others. The seeds are sown in our own experiences. Empathy may start with, but moves beyond, a more self-absorbed identification with another. The author believes that his work with detainees in immigration detention, for whom daily life is still a struggle for survival, has given him hope in the potential for compassion in us all. There is a place for bearing witness, and it is possible to reduce human distress through listening and the telling of important stories.
