Ever feel like the world is full of “problems”? Like the news is just a constant stream of negativity, and everyone is either “good” or “bad”? If so, you’re not alone. The way we talk about politics often gets stuck in what therapists call a “problem-saturated” story. It’s a single, often negative, narrative that makes us feel like we’re powerless to change things.
But what if we could rewrite that story?
That’s the core idea behind narrative therapy, a powerful approach to counseling that helps people separate their identity from their problems. It teaches us that “the problem is the problem, not you.” Instead of blaming ourselves or others, we can look at how a particular issue—like anxiety, or in this case, political polarization—is influencing our lives.
Think of it like this: instead of saying “politicians are the problem,” we can ask, “how does the story of political division influence politicians’ behavior?” This simple shift in perspective helps us see the bigger picture and focus on the systems at play, not just the individuals.
Narrative therapy also teaches us to deconstruct dominant narratives. In politics, these are the widely accepted stories that often shape our beliefs without us even realizing it. A common example is the idea that “this country is in decline.” A narrative therapist would question this story, looking for “unique outcomes”—moments of progress, resilience, and hope that contradict the dominant narrative. This helps us see that no single story can ever fully capture a complex reality.
Finally, the most empowering step is re-authoring the narrative. Just as a person can rewrite their life story, a community can create a new, more positive collective story. This means identifying and amplifying the hidden, “subordinated” stories of marginalized groups that offer alternative perspectives. For example, a community could move away from a narrative of victimhood and create a new one focused on collective action and empowerment.
Understanding these concepts can help you navigate the political world with more clarity and agency. You are not just a passive consumer of a single, problem-saturated story. You are an active participant, capable of questioning dominant narratives and contributing to a new, more hopeful one.
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Additional Reading :
- Coping with Political Stress
- Addressing Political Anxiety in Psychotherapy
- Political and Social Stress and EMDR therapy
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