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

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