Guest Article

Supporting Clients Through Political Polarization and Uncertainty

Kim Scott, LMFT

Over the past decade, our political climate has become increasingly polarized. Many people—especially those whose views differ from those in power—are left feeling anxious, uncertain, and even fearful about the future. When I use the term political climate, I’m referring to the overall attitudes, cooperation, and conflict that shape our political and social lives. In other words, it’s how politics feel in our everyday experience.

Right now, that experience often feels tense and divided. Clients report noticing more anger, mistrust, and a growing sense of disconnection. Families are fractured over differences in values, neighbors eye each other with suspicion, and confidence in our institutions feels shaky. Add to this the rapid changes brought about by technology and Artificial Intelligence, and it’s no wonder so many of our clients feel unsettled.

As therapists, we can offer grounding, perspective, and practical tools. Below are strategies and interventions I often share with clients when the political climate feels overwhelming.

Acknowledge and Manage Stress

1. Normalize Feelings

Remind clients that stress in times of uncertainty and change is a normal response. Simply naming this can reduce shame and help them feel less alone.

2. Identify Triggers

Support clients in exploring what stirs up their anxiety or frustration. Is it constant exposure to social media? Endless scrolling through TV news? Difficult conversations with family? Or perhaps their own repetitive, racing thoughts?

3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Once triggers are identified, help clients experiment with limits:

• If social media leaves them angry or hopeless, encourage reducing online time—especially first thing in the morning or before bed. Algorithms are designed to keep us engaged, often by amplifying anxiety or misinformation.
• If the news is overwhelming, suggest sticking with reputable sources and setting time limits. Reducing exposure to visual news can also lessen emotional overload.

In my own home, my husband and I limit political discussion to 15 minutes a day. After that, we shift gears—toward action, or toward the people and activities we value. This can be a useful model for clients: rather than staying stuck in rumination, move into action or connection.

4. Prioritize Self-Care
Help clients establish grounding routines:

• Sleep
• Nutritious meals
• Movement
• Mindfulness or relaxation practices

Even simple interventions—such as pausing midday to take three or four slow, intentional breaths—can reduce tension and bring them back to the present. For those open to it, apps like Headspace, Calm, or the built-in “Breathe” function on smartphones can be practical tools.

Shift Your Mindset

5. Notice Distorted or Exaggerated Thoughts
Much of our stress comes not from events themselves but from the story we tell ourselves about them. Notice if clients are catastrophizing, “what if-ing,” or falling into all-or-nothing thinking.

I often draw on Byron Katie’s Loving What Is to guide clients in reality-testing their fears. If a client is worried about AI taking over their job, for example, I might ask:

• Is this happening right now?
• Are you absolutely certain your job will disappear?
• How does believing this thought affect you?
• Is there another way to see the situation?

6. Focus on the Positive
This may sound “Pollyanna,” but Positive Psychology research consistently shows that much of our happiness stems from our thoughts and behaviors. Invite clients to experiment with practices such as:

• Reframing news-induced worry by identifying three positive things happening in the world
• Actively seeking humor—through comedies, cartoons, or lighthearted media (avoiding political satire if it fuels distress)
• Setting aside at least 30 minutes a day for joy-filled activity
• Beginning and ending the day with gratitude rather than doom-scrolling

7. Keep Perspective
When the political climate feels overwhelming, clients may believe the world is unraveling. Remind them of history’s resilience. The United States has endured wars, depressions, social upheavals, and cultural transitions. Humanity has shifted from hunter-gatherer life to farming, from the industrial era to the digital age. Each shift brought disruption, yet adaptation followed. History suggests we will adapt and thrive again.

Build Connection and Take Action

8. Take Action
Fear often eases when clients feel empowered to act. Explore together what feels meaningful and accessible. For example:

• Staying informed without becoming consumed
• Voting in every election
• Volunteering to help others engage civically
• Having respectful, bridge-building conversations with people who hold different views
• Supporting causes or organizations they care about
• Participating in marches, rallies, or community forums

9. Connect with Others
Encourage clients to spend time with supportive friends and family. Connection, laughter, and play are powerful antidotes to fear and despair.

It can also help clients to remember that people with different views are still, more often than not, good and reasonable. Social psychologist Keith Payne writes about this in Good Reasonable People: The Psychology Behind America’s Dangerous Divide. When we vilify those who disagree with us, fear grows and division deepens. Families fracture, communities weaken, and collaboration on solutions becomes nearly impossible.

Final Thought

We cannot control the political climate—or the rapid pace of technological and cultural change—but we can help clients choose how they respond. By normalizing stress, encouraging healthy boundaries, and channeling energy into positive action and connection, we equip clients not only to care for themselves but also to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.

Kim Scott, LMFT is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist. She has a private practice in Granada Hills where she works with couples and individuals, in-person and via Telehealth. Kim has been licensed for 30 years and has expertise in working with older adults and women issues. To learn more about Kim's practice and to read more of her articles visit her website: www.kimscottmft.com.