How to Support Clients in a Turbulent Political Climate

Many therapists are struggling to support clients during this time due to ongoing fears and anxiety

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Many therapists are grappling with how to address current political distress with clients, largely due to feeling their own fears and anxieties about things that are taking place. This struggle can stem from a desire to maintain professionalism while also recognizing the profound effect these issues have on their own, as well as their clients’ mental health.

The emotional weight of navigating these discussions can create a barrier, making therapists hesitant to engage in what can feel like a daunting, or even potentially triggering, conversation. However, supporting clients through the mental health challenges posed by the current political climate is a critical element of our responsibility as mental health clinicians.

By creating a safe space for clients to express their concerns, therapists can help clients feel heard and understood, which is essential for effective therapeutic engagement and overall mental health. But currently, this can feel impossible.

While there is no perfect way to navigate this situation, here are eight suggestions.

1. They are allowed to feel fear: Often, it may feel like validation is all we can do in times like this. It's essential to validate that feelings of fear are entirely legitimate, and can even be expected, during these times. Validate their emotions by acknowledging that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or even hopeless. Many clients may express fears and concerns for their (or their loved ones) safety, and it is essential to validate these. Saying things such as "it will be okay," or trying to reassure them of their safety can feel disingenuous or dismissive.

2. Remind them they aren't alone in many of these feelings: It's difficult to acknowledge difficult feelings, and sometimes it's even harder to imagine feeling them alone. While I admit that I certainly do not have all of the answers on what to do right now, I think there is potential empowerment that comes from admitting this feeling of helplessness and validating that these feelings are being experienced right now by many, especially those in marginalized groups. Validating experiences can feel helpful in a time when we feel helpless and can provide comfort and support when we feel most vulnerable.

3. Promote healthy media consumption: The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of current events. Encourage clients to critically assess their media consumption and take breaks from news if it becomes overwhelming. It can feel impossible to get away from the media: with social media, television, radio, and all of the other ways we are inundated with the 24-hour news cycle, it can feel all encompassing. Discuss the importance of limiting exposure to distressing news and suggest specific times for checking updates rather than constant monitoring.

4. Look at ways the country or other groups have moved forward during similar times: Examining how the country and various groups have moved forward during similar challenging times can offer some sense of hope. History shows that resilience often emerges in the face of adversity when communities have come together to advocate for change, support one another, and cultivate hope. This is especially true for marginalized groups (Suslovic, 2024). Grassroots organizations frequently emerge during crises, providing crucial support and mobilizing collective action. In times of fear, we can find power in solidarity, creativity, and perseverance, even if it feels like we have few options.

5. Recognize signs of burnout: When crises happen, it can feel like you have to be glued to the news or else risk missing something important. This can be counterproductive and can cause burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and a sense of detachment. Educate clients about the signs of burnout and encourage them to take action if they notice these symptoms. This might look like decreasing time on social media, turning off the television, or increasing areas of self-care.

6. Promote areas for resilience and agency: Help clients cultivate resilience by focusing on what they can control. Encourage involvement in community initiatives or activism that aligns with their values, in ways that they feel comfortable being involved in. For some clients, this may look like helping with voting initiatives. For others, this may look like supporting rallies, volunteering, or other ways of engaging.

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7. Encourage connection and community: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of stress, especially with our immensely divisive culture. Many clients may be feeling isolated from family due to political differences, or already present dysfunction that has been exacerbated due to current stressors. Encourage clients to engage with friends, family, or support groups where they can share experiences and find solidarity. Highlight the importance of maintaining social connections with those who make them feel safe and connected. Recommend regular check-ins with loved ones to continue fostering social connection.

8. Using self-care as an act of resistance: In times of stress, we all often neglect self-care. Encourage clients to engage in mindfulness practices and self-care routines. This can look like encouraging clients to establish a routine that includes activities they enjoy and find relaxing. Simple techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or physical activity can help manage anxiety. Other steps can include turning off the television or the phone, going outside for a break, or remembering to eat a meal.

By creating safe spaces for dialogue, validating feelings of fear and anxiety, and promoting self-care, therapists can help clients navigate their fears and stress. Remember, it’s not about eliminating anxiety but rather equipping clients with the tools to manage it. However, it is important to recognize that, while it is our job to support clients, we are human too, and we are also suffering during these scary times. Acknowledging these challenges is vital: and for some, it might be acknowledging that they need to step back and decrease workload, increase self-care, and find their own mental health support. We are all allowed to feel overwhelmed during this time.