The United States, often characterized as a melting pot of cultures and ideologies, has become a nation divided by sharp political and social divides.
In an attempt to address these chasms, the podcast “Treatable” hosted by Clint Mally delves into the thought-provoking book “America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis” by Phyllis E. Levitt.
Drawing on her 34 years of experience as a psychotherapist, Levitt explores the metaphor of the nation as a family, offering insights into how a psychotherapeutic approach might facilitate healing.
“No matter what side of the political fence you fall on, most people agree that our country has issues,” Clint Mally begins.
By personifying the United States as a family, the conversation pivots towards the idea of a collective therapy session.
What if, like our dysfunctional family members, America went to therapy? This is the premise behind Levitt’s book, and it serves as the foundation for the podcast episode.
America is likened to a large, intricate family, rife with power dynamics and fraught with dysfunction. Levitt posits that our psychology is the missing piece in national conversations.
It’s not about partisanship, right or wrong, or good versus evil; it’s about healing our relationship with ourselves and with others.
The family metaphor, while perhaps limited, provides a framework to understand and address these national issues.
Levitt discusses the idea that in any family or group, varying positions of power exist.
It’s not the power differential itself that’s problematic, but how power is exercised.
In her analogy, a healthy family listens, respects feedback, and maintains tolerance for diversity.
By examining America’s political and social structures through this lens, Levitt argues that our country falls short of these healthy dynamics.
Whether in a family, school, or nation, power dynamics inevitably exist. The question is whether these dynamics are implemented healthily. Levitt explains:
“In a healthy family, different members have different needs, talents, and positions of power. There’s tolerance for diversity and safety in communication. We must hear feedback without resorting to violence—emotional or physical.”
She draws parallels between this family structure and national policies, emphasizing the importance of non-violent communication and mutual respect, both critical components missing in today’s polarized America.
Clint challenges Levitt on the limitations of the family metaphor, considering varied global examples:
Levitt acknowledges these examples, illustrating that a balance between autonomy and collective well-being is crucial. The “sovereign unity” model she describes advocates for individual freedoms harmonized with communal responsibilities.
Levitt emphasizes the essential steps towards national healing:
For Levitt, the process of healing a nation mirrors that of healing within a family. She believes that unresolved personal traumas project onto collective dynamics, perpetuating aggression and suppression.
Her insights underscore the interconnectedness of individual and national psychology. When people heal their personal wounds, they contribute to healthier relationships and, by extension, a healthier society.
First steps to national healing involve creating safe spaces for dialogue and addressing individual psychological health. Levitt offers tools for repairing relationships post-conflict, stressing personal responsibility and behavioral change as critical elements.
The conversation with Phyllis Levitt on the “Treatable” podcast shines a light on the potential for psychological principles to facilitate national healing.
The family metaphor, while not perfect, serves as a compelling framework to understand America’s deep-seated issues and offers practical steps towards reconciliation.
America, like any family, can begin to heal through open dialogue, non-violence, and personal responsibility.
By addressing both individual and collective traumas, we can move towards a more unified, compassionate, and thriving nation.
For those interested in exploring this unique approach to America’s challenges, Levitt’s book “America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis” is available on major booksellers and her website, phyllisleavitt.com.
There, readers can also access a free PDF on repairing relationships and delve deeper into what it takes to heal a nation that feels like a broken family.
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