Everything is Political: Navigating the Intersection of Therapy and Politics

Politics, defined as the practice of forming, directing, and administering policies and actions within society, inevitably seeps into the therapeutic space. It encompasses not only governance but also the implicit and emotional values that shape our lives. Many fundamental systems and institutions, including mental health and psychology, have historically perpetuated racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. These implicit and emotional meanings of politics are often part of the therapeutic process, influencing how clients and therapists engage with one another and address the issues they face. Everything can become political, including—and perhaps especially—therapy. As a therapist, navigating this terrain requires deep reflection and a commitment to ethical practice.

Should a Therapist Only See Clients Who Agree Politically?

This is a nuanced question. On one hand, therapy is about providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients. On the other hand, a therapist must also ensure they can maintain unconditional positive regard for their clients, regardless of differing political views. This balance is delicate and personal.

For me, the guiding principle is: What can I house safely? What can I hold and maintain unconditional positive regard and nonjudgment? There are limits to what I can hold and hear safely, and that's okay. Early in my career, I viewed these limitations as a deficit. Now, I understand what a strength and gift it is to recognize when I cannot be the right therapist for someone and to release them to find someone who can be.

Should Clients Ask Therapists Who They Voted For?

Asking a therapist about their political affiliations can feel uncomfortable, but it's not uncommon for clients to seek alignment in values and beliefs. It’s more productive to express the importance of certain rights and beliefs. For example, saying, "I believe in the rights of X, Y, and Z, and it’s important to me to be supported by someone who shares those beliefs," sets a clearer expectation for the therapeutic relationship.

If, during therapy, you find that your therapist’s beliefs or their interactions with you don’t align with your values, it can be an exit point. Stating, "These beliefs matter to me, and we don’t feel aligned in that in this moment," can be a respectful way to end the therapeutic relationship.

The Intersection of Politics and Therapy

Politics shows up implicitly or explicitly with every client. Whether it’s helping people manage the devastation of feeling disconnected from their country or world, or addressing policies that impact their lives, political issues are ever-present. However, therapy isn’t about administering policies; it’s about understanding and validating the client's experiences and feelings.

For example, deciding how much land should be preserved annually is a political discussion about administrating policy. However, whether the environment is worth protecting is an ethical and moral question. Therapy often involves discussing the latter—exploring clients' values and beliefs about the world.

The Importance of Ethical and Moral Alignment

People often feel safer with those who share similar ethics and morals. This is at the heart of why everything feels political. Therapy involves deeply personal and often moral questions about human rights, dignity, and justice. As a Black woman, I am mindful of how I navigate these spaces, ensuring I can support clients in ways that honor both their humanity and my own.

In conclusion, the intersection of politics and therapy is complex and deeply personal. There are no simple answers, but by reflecting on our values and limitations, we can navigate this terrain with integrity and compassion. Recognizing our limits is not a weakness but a strength that ensures both therapist and client can engage in a safe and productive therapeutic relationship.

Navigating the intersection of politics and therapy is complex and deeply personal. Politics, defined as the practice of forming, directing, and administering policies and actions within society, inevitably seeps into the therapeutic space, encompassing not only governance but also the implicit and emotional values that shape our lives. Many fundamental systems and institutions, including mental health and psychology, have historically perpetuated racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. These implicit and emotional meanings of politics are often part of the therapeutic process, influencing how clients and therapists engage with one another and address the issues they face. Everything can become political, including—and perhaps especially—therapy.

Therapists must navigate this terrain with deep reflection and a commitment to ethical practice. Balancing the need to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients with the ability to maintain unconditional positive regard, regardless of differing political views, is delicate and personal. Recognizing our limits and understanding when we cannot be the right therapist for someone is a strength that ensures both therapist and client can engage in a safe and productive therapeutic relationship.

Clients, too, may seek alignment in values and beliefs with their therapists. Expressing the importance of certain rights and beliefs can set clearer expectations for the therapeutic relationship and facilitate a more aligned and supportive environment. If a client's values and the therapist's beliefs do not align, ending the therapeutic relationship may be an appropriate and respectful decision.

Politics shows up implicitly or explicitly with every client, whether through managing feelings of disconnection from their country or world or addressing policies that impact their lives. Therapy is about understanding and validating clients' experiences and feelings, often involving discussions about ethical and moral questions.

Ultimately, reflecting on our values and limitations with integrity and compassion allows us to navigate the political dimensions of therapy effectively. Recognizing our limits is not a weakness but a strength ensuring a safe and productive therapeutic relationship for therapists and clients. By honoring both our humanity and our clients, we can support them in meaningful and impactful ways.