CC25 Keynote 06 - When Political Divides Become Relational Divides - William Doherty, PhD

Politically mixed couples face special challenges during a time of political polarization, and even couples who vote similarly may have conflict over how strongly they feel about the current political environment and how to deal with extended family differences over politics. This is new territory for couples therapists, complicated by the fact that many of us have strong political convictions. This presentation will cover sources of today’s polarization, special assessment issue for couples in conflict over politics, and tools for helping them buffer their relationships against these political stressors and engage in constructive coping.  The presenter will also discuss how he has adapted couple therapy principles in designing workshops that bring “reds” and “blues” together through the national nonprofit Braver Angels.

1. Identify the scope and sources of today’s high levels of political polarization.
2. Discuss how political stress can affect couple and family relationships, and ways to assess theses effects.
3. Describe tools for helping couples cope with political differences in ways that buffer their relationships and potentially improve them.