Relationships are breaking under the weight of political differences, and more clients are bringing these divides into the therapy room. So what do we do when values-based conflict becomes the problem in the relationship - and the therapist is part of the system too?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bill Doherty: Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, creator of the discernment counseling model, and co-founder of Braver Angels - a national initiative that brings liberals and conservatives together to bridge America’s political divide.

Together, we unpack what it takes to stay steady and clinically effective when you’re working with couples, individuals, or families caught in ideological conflict. From understanding the macro-forces of affective polarization to the subtle ways therapists may reinforce it in the room, Dr. Doherty offers an honest, deeply human, and skillful path forward.

We talk about the self-of-therapist work required to manage our own reactivity, the ethical tension between neutrality and our personal values, and how to avoid misattunement that can subtly harm the very relationships we’re trying to help. You’ll also hear real consultation examples and learn about the free resources Braver Angels offers to therapists ready to deepen their competencies in this area.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 When Political Conflict Enters the Therapy Room
02:10 Understanding Affective Polarization and Its Impact on Relationships
05:26 The Three Therapist Challenges in Politically Charged Cases
10:54 Hidden Bias in Consultation Groups and Clinical Culture
12:57 How Braver Angels Helps Heal Political Division
18:59 Internalized Polarization: What It Is and Why It Matters
21:19 A Real-World Case: Reframing Ideological Conflict with Curiosity
45:31 Setting Boundaries Without Demonizing Clients or Loved Ones
48:53 Courageous Citizenship and the Therapist’s Role in Divided Times
59:19 Free Tools to Support Clients Caught in Political Conflict

If you’re still turning this over in your mind (like I have been), you’ll want to keep the conversation going. When you sign up for my For Therapists newsletter, I’ll send you more interviews with thought leaders like Dr. Doherty, along with fresh insights, real tools, and honest reflections to help you grow - both as a clinician and as a person.

Come say hi on LinkedIn! I share behind-the-scenes updates, new episodes, and the kind of therapist-to-therapist support I wish more of us had. If something from this conversation is still sitting with you or showing up in your work, I’d truly love to hear about it.

Let’s stay in this together.

xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Growing Self