Are family dinners turning into battlefields? Does the current political climate make your "pucker tighten" with anxiety before you even walk into a room? In this episode of The Framework, therapist David Waselkow and co-host Tyler explore why political division is tearing apart marriages, family systems, and friendships,. Drawing from professional clinical experience,

David reveals how the 2016 election caused a massive surge in patients seeking help for diagnosable psychological conditions driven by domestic politics—and why the current polarization is exponentially higher,,. This isn't a debate about candidates; it’s a deep dive into how you can protect your mental health and relationships when the world feels intractably divided. In this episode, you will discover: •

The "Meta Rule" Trap: How "Us versus Them" thinking turns loved ones into enemies and creates a zero-sum game in your living room

• The Conflation Rule: Why we mistakenly judge a person’s entire moral character based on a single political issue—and how to stop doing it

• Affirmative vs. Prohibitive Thinking: How to move away from "prohibitive voting" and fear-based reactions toward a focus on your actual values

• The "Uncle Jimmy" Strategy: Concrete techniques for navigating high-conflict discussions at Thanksgiving or the dinner table

• Separating Person from Behavior: The essential psychological principle that allows you to respect the person even when you attack the idea Stop letting the election cycle dictate your mood, energy, and life satisfaction.

If you find yourself trapped in "black and white" thinking or struggling with the "trauma response" of modern politics, it’s time to rewrite the rules of your own framework.

Take the next step toward relational health and internal clarity. If the stress of the current political environment is disrupting your balance, schedule an appointment today to learn how to apply these tools specifically to your life and unique family dynamics.