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Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

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Manage episode 507981861 series 2450169
Content provided by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD, Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP, and Ann Kelley PhD. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD, Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP, and Ann Kelley PhD or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Can we save our relationships – and our democracy – one conversation at a time?

Image: The Project Twins – Art from the Braver Angels, Seattle

Dr. Ann Kelley sits down with Dr. Bill Doherty to explore the idea of “Citizen Therapists” and how therapists — and all of us — can help bridge divides in a polarized world. Together, they dive into discernment counseling for couples on the brink of divorce, the groundbreaking work of Braver Angels in fostering dialogue across political differences, and the skills we all need for hard but healing conversations. This conversation highlights the power of curiosity, respectful boundaries, and understanding – whether in our closest relationships or across society.

“Conflict entrepreneurs, people who make their living using various megaphones to tell us that the people on the other side are evil, and not to be trusted.”

– William Doherty

Time Stamps for Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

08:14 Exploring political divides in relationships
10:58 Braver Angels: Bridging political divides
13:29 The Fishbowl method: Creating safe spaces for dialogue
19:00 Values over policies: Finding common ground
29:13 Boundaries in political conversations
32:43 Understanding political views through stories
37:44 Desire for connection vs. differentiation
44:24 Bringing therapeutic skills to public discourse
51:08 Access to affordable healthcare
01:00:37 Managing family dynamics
01:07:00 Becoming a citizen therapist

About our Guest – Dr. William J. Doherty

Bill Doherty is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. As a therapist, he focuses on couples on the brink of divorce and on political stress in relationships. He has authored 14 books for professionals and the public. Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. Bill is the chief designer of the Braver Angels workshops and has conducted sessions all over the country, including for corporations, state legislatures, and the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress. Braver Angels now has volunteers working in all 50 states. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy.

Resources for Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

Braver Angels – Website and resources leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement

“Becoming a Citizen Therapist: Integrating Community Problem-Solving Into Your Work as a Healer” – Purchase your copy by William J. Doherty and Tai J. Mendenhall

Enjoying this episode? Check out these other similar TU episodes!

https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu153-how-good-boundaries-actually-bring-us-closer-replay-with-juliane-taylor-shore/


Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others.

Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s

Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout

As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.


Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

You are invited!

Join our exclusive community to get early access and discounts to things we produce, plus an ad-free, private feed. In addition, receive exclusive episodes recorded just for you. Sign up for our premium Neuronerd plan!! Click here!!

  continue reading

314 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 507981861 series 2450169
Content provided by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD, Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP, and Ann Kelley PhD. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD, Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP, and Ann Kelley PhD or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Can we save our relationships – and our democracy – one conversation at a time?

Image: The Project Twins – Art from the Braver Angels, Seattle

Dr. Ann Kelley sits down with Dr. Bill Doherty to explore the idea of “Citizen Therapists” and how therapists — and all of us — can help bridge divides in a polarized world. Together, they dive into discernment counseling for couples on the brink of divorce, the groundbreaking work of Braver Angels in fostering dialogue across political differences, and the skills we all need for hard but healing conversations. This conversation highlights the power of curiosity, respectful boundaries, and understanding – whether in our closest relationships or across society.

“Conflict entrepreneurs, people who make their living using various megaphones to tell us that the people on the other side are evil, and not to be trusted.”

– William Doherty

Time Stamps for Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

08:14 Exploring political divides in relationships
10:58 Braver Angels: Bridging political divides
13:29 The Fishbowl method: Creating safe spaces for dialogue
19:00 Values over policies: Finding common ground
29:13 Boundaries in political conversations
32:43 Understanding political views through stories
37:44 Desire for connection vs. differentiation
44:24 Bringing therapeutic skills to public discourse
51:08 Access to affordable healthcare
01:00:37 Managing family dynamics
01:07:00 Becoming a citizen therapist

About our Guest – Dr. William J. Doherty

Bill Doherty is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. As a therapist, he focuses on couples on the brink of divorce and on political stress in relationships. He has authored 14 books for professionals and the public. Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. Bill is the chief designer of the Braver Angels workshops and has conducted sessions all over the country, including for corporations, state legislatures, and the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress. Braver Angels now has volunteers working in all 50 states. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy.

Resources for Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

Braver Angels – Website and resources leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement

“Becoming a Citizen Therapist: Integrating Community Problem-Solving Into Your Work as a Healer” – Purchase your copy by William J. Doherty and Tai J. Mendenhall

Enjoying this episode? Check out these other similar TU episodes!

https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu153-how-good-boundaries-actually-bring-us-closer-replay-with-juliane-taylor-shore/


Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others.

Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s

Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout

As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.


Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

You are invited!

Join our exclusive community to get early access and discounts to things we produce, plus an ad-free, private feed. In addition, receive exclusive episodes recorded just for you. Sign up for our premium Neuronerd plan!! Click here!!

  continue reading

314 episodes

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