APA’s 2024 survey reported that nearly one-third of adults experienced strain between themselves and family members because of the political climate.
APA — 2024 election stress poll →Decide what the boundary is protecting
A useful boundary protects a meal, a child, a relationship, a workplace or your own ability to participate. It is more specific than simply telling another person to stop having an opinion.
Distinguish disagreement from harmful conduct
Different views are not automatically the same as insults, threats, harassment or repeated disregard for a stated limit. The response should match the actual behavior.
Use concrete conversation rules
Time limits, no political discussion at certain events, no forwarding inflammatory content, or ending a conversation after personal attacks are clearer than asking everyone to “be respectful.”
Consider the right format of therapy
The situation may fit individual, couples or family therapy. Search by state and practical constraints, then ask whether the clinician works with conflict and boundaries without requiring ideological agreement.
Questions worth asking before contacting a therapist
- What part of the election context is creating the most friction?
- Is the main issue uncertainty, information habits, a relationship, work or civic involvement?
- Would individual, couples or family therapy fit the situation?
- What state, schedule, format and payment constraints matter most?
About this guide
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