Politics in the Therapy Room: Is it OK to ask your therapist about their political beliefs?
A friend recently asked if it was “OK” to change therapists because of perceived differences in political beliefs. My friend explained that she was discussing concerns about the political environment in therapy and felt that her therapist was dismissive. I emphasized how important it was to feel seen and heard in therapy, and told my friend that if she felt her therapist was unable to do this, she shouldn’t hesitate to find a better fit.
Political concerns are a growing source of stress and anxiety in America today. Whether clients bring in existential concerns, such as worries about the long-term impact of laws and policies, or very personal worries, like the loss of the right to bodily autonomy, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that politics are coming up in therapy. While it is clear that clients are bringing up their beliefs in session, should we expect therapists to do the same?
Why don’t therapists share politics?
Most therapists are trained to keep personal information close to the chest and be judicious in sharing information about themselves. This is done to keep the therapy focused on the client and protect the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. However, it is common for people to look for a therapist who shares an important identity with them, such as being of the same race, religion, or gender. Indeed, while the relationship between matching demographics between therapist and client is not clear, many clients express a preference for a therapist they believe can relate to their experiences based on their identities.
While some of our identities, such as race and gender, may appear more externally identifiable, therapists have control over disclosing other, more covert identities, such as our political beliefs. For example, a client likely would (correctly) read me as a white woman. But there is nothing that outwardly conveys my political ideology. For some clients, this is not a particularly relevant factor when working with me; however, when political anxiety or distress is a focus of therapy, clients may want to know a lot more about my belief system
Why might someone want to know their therapist's political beliefs?
Clients often want to know how their therapist feels about certain topics to feel safe disclosing their political concerns and their identities. As people from marginalized communities are increasingly threatened by “anti-woke” and punitive political action, clients understandably want to know that their therapist affirms their rights and sees their concerns through a similar lens. Additionally, as in the example with my friend, a political mismatch may lead to a client feeling dismissed by a therapist who doesn’t affirm their experience or beliefs.
Where we stand
In our practice, we provide fertility support and counseling for a wide range of clients, including many members of marginalized communities. It is vitally important that our clients know that we support their rights to build their families and to access assistive reproductive technology.. Additionally, as providers who support clients through pregnancy terminations, we feel that our clients need to know that we affirm their right to reproductive choice, and that they will not be judged in therapy for any pregnancy-related choices. Especially as the US makes more moves toward limiting abortion rights, removing efforts towards equity and inclusion, and dehumanizing marginalized people, it is essential to us as a practice that our clients know that we recognize the threats present and that we understand the impact on them.
How can I talk to my therapist about this?
While we can never fully prevent biases from showing up in a therapeutic relationship, having an open and honest conversation about what you are looking for in a therapist is a great way to discern if they are a good fit for you.
Just as we might ask “Do you have experience treating postpartum depression?” you can also ask questions like “Are you comfortable talking about political anxiety in therapy?” or “Do you have experience working with people who are struggling with the current political situation?”
You can also let them know what is important to you and ask if they can provide that, such as “I want to talk about my pregnancy termination, and I want to be sure I am working with a provider who is supportive of this decision. Would you share with me if you are pro-choice?”
Now, the therapist may or may not be willing to answer questions about their political beliefs. Certainly, different clinicians are going to have different perspectives on this, and not answering does not necessarily mean that they do not agree with you. But perhaps even this is information: if your therapist isn’t willing to share information that feels vital to a trusting relationship, perhaps they are not the best fit for you.
Research has consistently shown that the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between the therapist and client, is one of the strongest predictors of therapy outcomes. While therapists may have different ideas and levels of comfort with self-disclosure, it is important to consider if and how we can support our clients during times of increased political uncertainty and turmoil. It is possible that by being more open about our own beliefs, we can open space for clients to feel safer in talking to us about their concerns.
Author
Dr. Jillian Neill is a warm, compassionate clinical psychologist licensed in NC and NY, with PsyPact privileges to offer teletherapy in over 40 states—including DC, MD, and VA. She specializes in identity development, perinatal mental health, neurodivergence, and complex trauma.
Reach out to schedule a session:
Jillian.Neill@dremmabasch.com | (336) 355-1796