When You Don't Feel It But They Do: Staying Connected in Post-Election Distress (250)

Many are baffled by the so strong feelings around the 2024 election results – let us help you get it.

Families are dividing, couples are blowing up and neighbors are being cut off.  When you are close to someone who didn’t vote with you this year, you are likley in some distress. The shock and pain for some groups after the election and the corresponding lack of understanding is a recipe for dysregulation.

We explore the complexities of political identity, emotional responses, and the impact of political discourse on all of our personal relationships in the wake of a divisive presidential election. Ann and Sue, alongside Michael Hilgers, LPC, emphasize the need for deeper conversations that transcend binary thinking and the significance of co-regulation in healing and fostering unity amidst division. They explore the challenges of navigating relationships where political views differ, emphasizing the value of patience, compassion, and open curiosity to foster understanding.

The conversation touches on the risks of lasting family divides and underscores the importance of creating safe, respectful spaces for meaningful conversations. Ultimately, it encourages empathy and small, thoughtful steps toward more compassionate communication.

“We all play a role in this democracy. We need to remember the power of every vote. I continue, too, to keep myself connected to a force that’s larger and more potent than any one election, or leader, or news story—and that’s optimism. For me, this is a form of faith, an antidote to fear.” – Michelle Obama

Looking for extra community and connection post-election? Join us for our second free, live virtual holding circle on Friday, November 22nd at 3 PM CST – Click here to learn more 

Time Stamps for Aftermath of the Election

00:00 Navigating identity
02:52 The aftermath of the 2024 Presidential election based on gender
06:09 Understanding huge emotional responses for those who care
08:56 The difficulty of empathy and connection when stakes are high
15:01 Co-regulation
17:54 The role of historical trauma in reactions to current events
20:56 Is common ground possible?
25:32 Betrayal
27:09 Listening and holding space rather than fixing it
29:31 Patience in difficult conversations
30:35 Political divides in relationships
32:00 The risk of permanent divisions
39:18 Concrete steps for compassionate communication
42:08 Addressing name-calling and intentional humiliation

About our Guest – Michael Hilgers, LPC

Michael Hilgers, LPC is a licensed Professional Counselor who maintains an online Counseling Practice specializing in work with Creatives and Entrepreneurs. After almost 25 years in Austin, Tx, he moved to the mountains of Northern New Mexico where he works with clients from around the globe.

Check out the most anticipated conference for Experiential Dynamic Therapists!! San Diego, CA – November 13th-15th –  IEDTA’s 2024 conference highlights the power of the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy. Register here! 

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Events, Announcements & Resource Links for Secure Relating & the Election