In today’s politically charged climate and politically divided America, being a psychotherapist in the United States is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. I do not need to tell anyone reading this blog that the political divide has seeped into every aspect of life—from family gatherings to community interactions—forcing many to confront conflicting values, beliefs, and even relationships: personal and in career. In this polarized landscape, evidence-based therapeutic practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have emerged as powerful tools to help individuals reconcile unhelpful thoughts, heal from trauma, and foster genuine connection across ideological divides. The intrinsic nature of evidenced based approaches can help the psychotherapist approach client “issues” with guidelines and help the psychotherapist maintain the professional stance, even in the face of conflicting ideologies. This is critical in an ever more divided world. We need to have spaces where we all recognize there is more alike than different. By providing these “safe” spaces, there is more opportunity for seeing the middle ground, healing and understanding.
The Challenge of Political Division in Therapy
The United States is experiencing a period of intense political polarization, and its effects are palpable in the therapy room. There are days where I lock up my office at the end of the day and feel like I’ve weathered a Cat-5 hurricane, and I’m sure other psychotherapists can relate (and if living in Florida understand the analogy).
Clients come from diverse political backgrounds and in an atmosphere like South Florida (where my office is located), we are a salad bowl of backgrounds, each carrying the weight of personal and collective narratives that can exacerbate feelings of isolation, anger, or despair. For some of my clients in the Washington DC area looking for therapy, they are entrenched in the political system, confronting and navigating real-time impacts on their personal lives, careers and co-workers. This tension is not confined to political beliefs alone—it often permeates family dynamics, friendships, and even community relationships.
As therapists, my firm belief is that we face the complex task of helping clients navigate these internal and external conflicts without bias, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and validated. This is becoming a less popular opinion amongst my peers, some exhausted and burnt out, starting to reconsider their practices and approaches. I’ve seen online forums where psychotherapists are fueling the fires with catastrophizing thoughts (from both sides) and less and less moderate approach to the current situation that is dividing Americans. Some even publicly taking sides and, in my humble opinion, blurring the (dare I say) ethical lines of our profession. Psychotherapists are humans first and it is only fair to acknowledge that for many of us, the undoing of government programs and policies feel like (and in some cases are) directly impacting our personal lives. But we must be able to contain to meet clients’ needs.
When I offer EMDR Consultation for Certification and this topic arises, I have often offered the following suggestion for a peer struggling. “Have a work sweater or jacket and imagine it is your white coat. Like a doctor, put that on and when it is on you are a psychotherapist who follows your ethical mandates. At end of day, take it off and leave it behind.”
Specialization is not inherently unethical. I, like many therapists, develop expertise in treating certain issues—such as trauma, anxiety, or substance abuse—or in working with specific populations, such as children, veterans, or members of certain underserved communities. Specializing can lead to a deeper understanding of unique challenges, cultural nuances, and evidence-based interventions tailored to those groups. For instance, a therapist who specializes in working with survivors of domestic violence may offer insights and interventions that are particularly effective for that population. However, when a therapist intentionally limits their practice to only one type of client, for example a blanket, “I only serve people with certain political views,” without valid professional reasons, several ethical issues may arise:
- Discrimination and Bias
- Access to Care
- Therapist Competence and Self-Awareness and not conflating competence with bias for one group over another
And so, if you are a professional reading this and find yourself blurring our ethical mandate, it may be best to seek professional consultation, or even your own therapy, to work through some of the concerns.
Back to working with a client challenged by the political division and seeking therapy for this reason…
A common scenario involves clients who feel alienated or misunderstood by loved ones due to differing political opinions. These divisions can lead to entrenched unhelpful thought patterns—seeing others as inherently “other” or even as threats—thus deepening emotional wounds and impairing the ability to form healthy relationships. In such instances, our role extends beyond traditional talk therapy; we must facilitate environments where healing, acceptance, and growth are possible.
EMDR: A Bridge to Healing
EMDR is a trauma-focused psychotherapy that has shown tremendous promise in helping clients work through distressing memories and maladaptive beliefs. I have been apply the EMDR therapy for political angst often these days. Originally developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has proven effective for a range of issues, including the anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflicts that often arise in a politically divided society.
How EMDR Works in a Divided Context
- Processing Unhelpful Beliefs: EMDR helps clients identify and process core beliefs that may be contributing to negative perceptions of those with differing viewpoints. For example, a client might come into therapy with the belief that anyone who holds a political opinion different from their own is “wrong” or “dangerous.” Through EMDR, this belief can be reprocessed, reducing its emotional charge and opening the door to a more balanced perspective. this may be a critical goal for a client who feels under threat but also desires to come together with a family member and sit and talk. Without EMDR, they may not be able to do so without their amygdala hijacking their capacity for conversation.
- Reducing Emotional Distress: The bilateral stimulation in EMDR—whether through eye movements, taps, or auditory tones—facilitates the integration of traumatic memories and emotionally charged experiences. Clients often report a decrease in anxiety and anger, which are common responses when discussing politically or ideologically charged topics. Its not uncommon for a client to walk in emotionally charged and panicked and 10 minutes into the application of bilateral stimulation, lying back on the therapy couch yawning and neutral.
- Promoting Empathy and Flexibility: As clients process their emotions and unhelpful thoughts, they often begin to see that their intense reactions are tied to past experiences rather than the intrinsic nature of the person with a differing view. This shift can lead to greater empathy and the ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously. This can allow for real conversation with friends, co-workers and loved ones. Often allowing clients to report back they see more alike than different. Sometimes even saving relationships they originally thought were lost. They come back stating “I realize I was catastrophizing.”
Real-World Examples: Healing Beyond Ideological Lines
Consider the case of a middle-aged client who came into therapy feeling isolated after a bitter political argument with a family member. The client was stuck in a loop of anger and resentment, clinging to the belief that their loved one was irrevocably “other.” Through a series of EMDR sessions, the client was able to trace these intense emotions back to earlier experiences of abandonment and betrayal in childhood. As the therapy progressed, not only did the client’s intense emotional responses lessen, but they also began to approach family discussions with a newfound curiosity and openness. By reconciling these deep-seated emotions, the client was better equipped to navigate political differences without resorting to entrenched hostility and, though not seeing eye-to-eye on politics, also recognizing that they care for their loved one, that their loved one cars for them, and that they have more alike than different.
An Open and Ethical Practice Is My Approach
My practice is dedicated to serving all individuals, regardless of their background or political stance. My specialization is EMDR (I am certified and consult for EMDRIA) and trauma-related concerns. This transcends all populations. I remain curious of others’ experiences and run a person-centered practice. The foundation of my approach lies in meeting every client where they are at—without judgment, without imposing my own beliefs, and with a steadfast commitment to ethical practice. I believe that every person deserves a safe space to explore their internal conflicts and that healing is possible through empathy, understanding, and evidence-based interventions like EMDR. I am open to the belief that being moderate with my approach brings healing and mirrors what is lacking in our country. This may not work for all clients, but it works for all of my clients who, woven together, are a true tapestry of what I believe America really is: more alike than different, unique and strong.
In our increasingly fragmented society, therapy can act as a bridge—connecting disparate parts of our collective experience and allowing individuals to rediscover common ground. By addressing the unhelpful thoughts that fuel division, we help clients transform their relationships, not only with others but also with themselves.
Final Thoughts…
The role of a psychotherapist today is complex, demanding a balance between clinical expertise and profound empathy. The political divides that fracture our communities are mirrored in the personal struggles of our clients and ourselves. Through modalities like EMDR, I am witnessing remarkable transformations where individuals learn to process past traumas, challenge rigid belief systems, and foster meaningful connections across ideological lines.
The journey toward healing in a divided world is not easy, but every session reaffirms the belief in the power of therapy to unite rather than separate. By honoring each person’s unique experience and adhering to rigorous ethical standards, my practice continues to pave the way for a more compassionate and resilient society.
Bibliography
- Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
- National Institute for Mental Health. (2020). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/multicultural-guidelines
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
- American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
- Barnett, J. E. (2007). Informed Consent in Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 44(4), 405-412.
