Imagine yourself in the eye of a storm—not just any storm, but one turbocharged with news alerts, social media rants, and endless political commentary from every corner of life (because naturally, your aunt from three states away now has some fiery opinions). Election season can feel like this, sweeping both clients and therapists into a whirlwind. For clients, it often means amplified anxieties, and for us therapists, it’s a balancing act of supporting clients through their political stress while managing our own reactions.
For many clients, election season stirs up a unique emotional brew of anxiety, helplessness, and perhaps a dash of existential dread. Younger clients, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, often find themselves feeling extra on edge, questioning the future, or feeling like they’re the only ones taking everything so seriously. And for us, the emotional intensity in the room can sometimes feel as charged as an election night debate.
The Therapist’s Toolkit: Supporting Clients Through Election Stress
Election stress comes in many flavors—from frustration and worry to distraction and irritability (with a sprinkle of doom-scrolling on top). As therapists, we’re like emotional field guides, helping clients navigate these times without falling into the electoral abyss. Here are some ways we can help clients stay grounded without getting lost in the current events rabbit hole.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: One of the simplest ways to help clients dodge the “what if” rabbit hole is to introduce mindfulness. Teaching clients to take a pause—maybe by focusing on their breath, trying a grounding technique, or even just staring out the window for a few minutes—can be like handing them a pair of noise-canceling headphones for their minds. Bonus: practicing this in session can feel like a mini vacation from the news cycle.
Reframing Distressing Thoughts: For some clients, election season brings on that ‘end-of-the-world’ thinking. Cognitive restructuring can be a lifesaver, turning thoughts from “this is it” to “I can manage my response.” It’s like swapping out the mental catastrophe goggles for a clearer view—because sometimes, it really is just one election, not a worldwide finale.
Setting Boundaries on Political Content: When it comes to election season, one thing is certain: the news is like a bottomless buffet. Unfortunately, for some clients, it’s the emotional equivalent of going back for fifths at a pizza place. Suggesting a “media diet” can protect their mental well-being by helping them set limits, avoid endless scrolling, and, yes, turn off push notifications! The idea is to engage just enough to feel informed, but not so much they’re getting heartburn from all the drama.
Journaling as Emotional Processing: For clients who need a release valve for their emotions, journaling can be the perfect outlet. Encourage them to jot down reactions, focus on what they can control, and perhaps reflect on why certain election issues get under their skin. Think of it as giving them a space to vent without monopolizing every conversation (or flooding every group chat) with political talk.
Therapists and Election Season: Maintaining Our Own Resilience
Of course, therapists need some love too—especially during election season when the lines between personal and professional emotions can start to blur. Maintaining our well-being is just as important as guiding clients through theirs. Here’s how to keep our own stress levels in check while helping clients keep theirs down.
Curate Your Own Media Diet: Just like clients, we need to watch our news intake. A few intentional boundaries around news and social media time can work wonders. After all, we’re not just therapists but also people who deserve a little peace. For those high-stakes days, stepping back from social media might mean the difference between a calm evening and a night spiraling through comment threads.
Self-Care and Boundaries: Therapists don’t have superpowers (even if clients think we can fix anything with a quick “How does that make you feel?”). We need self-care and downtime just like anyone else. Whether it’s yoga, humor, or a well-timed coffee break, the more we keep up our own self-care, the more we can show up for clients without hitting burnout. And if client conversations become a bit intense, it’s okay to have boundaries—“Let’s refocus on what’s manageable for today.”
Reflective Practice: With heavy topics like elections, countertransference can sneak in like that extra item you never remember adding to your cart. Taking time for supervision or peer support can help us process our own election reactions without them seeping into sessions. A little journaling or talking things out with trusted colleagues can do wonders to keep our own thoughts balanced.
Empowering Clients Through Meaningful Action
One of the best ways to work with election anxiety is to transform it from dread into action. Often, clients can find relief in shifting their focus from what they can’t control to what they can—a powerful way to sidestep the helplessness trap and build a sense of purpose.
Finding Purpose in Civic Engagement: Sometimes, clients just need a reminder that their voice matters, and participating in small ways—whether it’s voting, volunteering, or supporting a cause they believe in—can be surprisingly empowering. Engaging meaningfully gives clients a sense of control, making them feel like they’re part of a solution, not just a spectator in the chaos.
Connecting to Values and Self-Efficacy: Encouraging clients to connect with their core values and strengths can work wonders for helping them feel more grounded. This is about helping clients find their lane—so rather than taking on the weight of the world, they can focus on small actions that align with their beliefs. It’s like saying, “You are part of the puzzle, but you are not the whole thing.” That shift from passive worry to purposeful action can be a game-changer.
Election cycles are tough, but they don’t have to derail us or our clients. As therapists, we’re uniquely positioned to help people find calm in the chaos and meaning in the madness. With a few mindful strategies, thoughtful boundaries, and maybe even a little humor, we can support clients while keeping ourselves grounded. After all, if we can weather election season together, we’re ready for just about anything the world throws our way!
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