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Our nation is more divided now than at any time since the Civil War. Polarisation enters the therapy room through emotional triggers, relationship distress, and worries for the future. How can we work with that? Many people demonize and hold contempt for the political “other,” even when the “other” is in their families. Therapists are not immune to this toxic political culture, and it can affect how we work with clients facing political stress and divisions in their lives. At a broader level, how can we apply a larger therapeutic perspective to societal problems instead of just taking a side in the contempt and outrage wars? Explore clinical tools and a larger vision for our role as citizen therapists. You’ll discover how to:
Develop an understanding of the political "other” inside and outside of therapy
Identify the connection between your current clinical work and societal polarisation
Practice skills in bridging gaps between individuals and groups who see themselves as politically polarised
Connect with initiatives where you can use your knowledge and skills for the public good
Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships
All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
PESI Australia, in collaboration with PESI in the USA, offers quality online continuing professional development events from the leaders in the field at a standard recognized by professional associations including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, alcohol and drug professionals, counselling and psychotherapy. On completion of the training, a Professional Development Certificate is issued after the individual has answered and submitted a quiz and course evaluation. This program is worth 1.75 hours CPD for points calculation by your association.
William Doherty, PhD, is a professor and director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota. He is co-author of the book Helping Couples on the Brink of Divorce: Discernment Counseling for Troubled Relationships, with Steven Harris. He is cofounder of Better Angels, an initiative to depolarize America.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. William Doherty receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. William Doherty is a member of the National Council on Family Relations, the International Council of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem, and the American Psychological Association. He serves on several editorial boards, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc.
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Sources of polarisation
How current polarisation affects clients and communities
How polarisation affects therapists
Strategies for helping clients depolarise in their own relationships
Strategies for helping communities depolarise
Limitations and potential risks
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