This in-person training is presented by William Doherty, PhD, and offers 6 CEs (intended to meet NH ethics requirements).

In the toxic polarization of our society, most of us stay focused on our traditional work of personal healing, trying to steer clear of the struggles in our wider culture. But that outside world keeps impinging on our clients’ lives—and our own. Voter suppression versus stolen elections, banning abortion versus reproductive rights, racial justice versus defending America, climate catastrophe versus ruining the economy, gun control versus more guns—the troubling list is long. As therapists, do we just take sides and hold contempt for the political “other,” therefore becoming part of the polarization? Or can we apply a larger therapeutic vision to the problems of our society? Explore a larger vision for our role as therapists. You’ll discover how to:

• Identify the connection between your current clinical work and societal polarization. 
• Develop skills in bridging gaps between individuals and groups who see themselves as opposing the political “other.”
• Practice depolarization skills in your own life and work.
• Connect with organizations and initiatives where you can use your knowledge and skills for the public good.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the ways in which societal polarization impacts clinical work.
• Evaluate different therapeutic stances clinicians can take when faced with clinical situations that evoke political and societal polarizations.
• Develop skills in bridging gaps between groups who see themselves as the political “other.”
• Practice applying depolarization skills in your own work with clients and within the community.
• Identify opportunities to go deeper with community-level depolarization.

Bill Doherty, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota where he directs The Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project and The Citizen Professional Center. Clinically, he focuses on couples on the brink of divorce, on relational ethics in the everyday lives of clients, and on political stress in relationships. 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. Braver Angels now has volunteers working in all 50 states. His latest book is The Ethical Lives of Clients: Transcending Self-Interest in Psychotherapy, published by the American Psychological Association. Along with his daughter, he has started a foundation that offers free training in relational ethics in therapy and community engagement for students and practicing therapists.

Early bird pricing is valid through 14 March 2023.

Check-in opens at 8:30 am. Breakfast and lunch buffets will be provided.

If you are a member of NHAMFT and a pre-clinical fellow (post-grad / pre-licensure), please email Christine Lazdowski before registering in order to obtain a reduced rate.