As therapists, it is likely that the global pandemic, ongoing wars, violence, cultural polarization, and political strife have arrived in our consulting rooms. Researchers have discovered an “unexpected and overwhelming effect of the political climate in psychotherapy patients [since COVID-19], with these discussions taking center stage in multiple sessions, in a way that has not been observed since 9/11.” [1]

How, then, do we navigate our own anxiety and fears, while holding space for our clients?

Yerushalmi (2022) addresses such concerns in an editorial article, in which he cites Buber’s I and Thou framework:

We can overcome our own and our interlocutor’s sense of alienation only by creating a subject-subject relationship with this person, in contrast with a subject-object relationship that scientists create with the objects of their investigation. [2]

Let’s talk!

What this monthly group is:

• This group seeks to overcome our own sense of alienation, fear, and confusion by meeting other therapists in a subject-subject relationship.

• This meetup is for psychotherapists, clinical social workers, clinical counselors, and psychologists seeking a safe and confidential space to talk and process being helping professional during such polarizing times.

• The aim is to form genuine dialogue with each other by speaking for oneself, listening mindfully, reflecting respectfully, and remaining curious.

• This is based on the skills and methods of Real Dialogue, a movement to counteract stereotyping, racism, bias, polarization, and dehumanization.

What this monthly group is not:

• This meetup is not a place to recruit, proselytize, or otherwise argue the merits of a particular side of any topic (i.e, this is not a place for activism of any type).

The Details

This is a free and open group.

Confidentiality: As mental health providers, we agree to uphold the confidentiality of our clients by not sharing any personally identifying information. We also agree to hold confidential that which is shared between one another in this safe space.

Frequency: This meetup occurs the fourth Wednesday of each month at 2 pm for 55 minutes.

Snacks: Bring your coffee, croissant, yogurt, or salad!

Notes

[1] Brietzke E. (2023). Understanding and navigating the repercussions of the politically polarized climate in mental health. Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy, 45, e20210350. https://doi.org/10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0350

[2] Yerushalmi, H. (2022). Therapists’ self-scrutiny during periods of polarisation. Psychodynamic Practice, 28(3), 237–242. https://doi.org/10.1080/14753634.2022.2098616