An older concerned citizen on the couch with Dr. Bennett on the side with clipboard

Activism in Modern Times: A Therapy Session with Dr. Bennett

The Psychological Dimensions of Political Engagement in Modern Times

Dr. Marcus Bennett's office is modestly appointed, with comfortable seating and soft lighting designed to create a safe, calming environment. The bookshelves are lined with titles spanning psychology, political science, and social movements. On this rainy Tuesday afternoon, he welcomes Steve, a long-time political activist in his 70s who has recently been experiencing heightened distress related to current events.

Dr. Bennett: "Welcome, Steve. It's good to see you again. You mentioned in your message that you've been feeling particularly troubled about some political issues, especially around the ongoing situation in Gaza and your engagement with your elected representatives. Would you like to start by telling me what's been on your mind?"

Concerned Citizen: "Thanks, Dr. Bennett. Yes, I'm feeling... overwhelmed, I guess. I just sent a letter to my senators about the Gaza situation. I've been politically active for most of my life—over five decades now—but I find myself more distressed than ever about what's happening. I'm angry at our government for continuing to send weapons that are being used in what I believe is a genocide, and I'm frustrated that my representatives seem to ignore the historical context and the disproportionate response to the October 7th attack."

Dr. Bennett: "I can hear the depth of your concern and moral outrage in your voice. Before we explore this further, I want to acknowledge that these are extremely complex geopolitical issues with deep historical roots and intense emotional significance for many people. Our goal today isn't to debate policy, but rather to understand your experience and help you process these feelings in a way that's healthier for you. Does that make sense?"

Concerned Citizen: "Yes, I understand. Though it's hard to separate my emotional reactions from my political convictions. They're deeply intertwined for me. When I see images of children suffering in Gaza, I feel physically ill. I've spent my whole life advocating for justice, and in my senior years, it feels like we're going backward in so many ways."

Dr. Bennett: "That intersection of moral conviction and emotional response is precisely what I'd like us to explore today. Let me share some thoughts on the psychological dimensions of what you're experiencing."

The Psychology of Political Activism and Moral Outrage

Dr. Bennett: "Looking at your experience through these psychological lenses, what aspects particularly resonate with you?"

Concerned Citizen: "I recognize myself in several of these points. The one about moral witnessing versus political effectiveness really hits home. I feel compelled to speak out, even when I doubt it will change anything. And yes, I do feel a kind of moral injury—my tax dollars are funding actions I find deeply immoral. The media exposure point is relevant too. I can't look away from the suffering, but consuming it constantly is taking a toll on me."

Dr. Bennett: "Those are important insights. Let's examine the letter you wrote to your senators. It contains several psychological patterns that might be worth exploring."

Psychological Analysis of Political Communication

Dr. Bennett: "One thing I notice in your letter is the tension between supporting your senators on many issues while strongly opposing them on this one. That creates a form of cognitive dissonance that can be quite uncomfortable. How do you navigate that?"

Concerned Citizen: "It's extremely difficult. I've voted for these senators, supported them, defended them against attacks from the right. When they take positions I find morally indefensible, it feels like betrayal. I start questioning my judgment about them entirely, wondering if I've been naive. But then I remind myself that politics involves compromise and complexity, and that no elected official will align with me 100% of the time."

Dr. Bennett: "That's a sophisticated way of holding that tension. Let's look at some of the emotional patterns I'm hearing in your expression about this issue, and explore some potential approaches to managing them."

Emotional Patterns and Coping Strategies

Dr. Bennett: "Of these emotional patterns, which feel most prominent for you right now? And looking at the coping strategies, are there any you already use effectively or would like to develop further?"

Concerned Citizen: "The moral outrage and helplessness are definitely most intense for me. And I recognize the meaning crisis too—after decades of activism, to see such violence and suffering makes me question whether anything I've done has mattered. As for coping strategies, I think I need to work on balanced information consumption. I find myself checking news constantly, and it's probably making things worse. Community connection has always been important to me, but many of my activist friends from earlier years are gone now. I need to find new connections."

Dr. Bennett: "Those are excellent insights. The constant news consumption can create a trauma loop that intensifies distress without providing additional agency. Let's think about how your extensive experience might actually be a unique strength in the current context."

Leveraging Experiential Wisdom in Current Activism

Dr. Bennett: "One thing that strikes me about your letter is its rich historical context. You're able to place current events within a much longer timeline than many people can. That's a genuine strength. How might you leverage that perspective in ways that feel meaningful but don't overwhelm you emotionally?"

Concerned Citizen: "I hadn't thought about my historical perspective as a specific strength. I suppose I could focus more on mentoring younger activists. They have the energy and the technological savvy, but may not see how today's struggles connect to earlier movements. Maybe sharing that context could help them avoid some pitfalls and maintain hope when progress seems slow."

Dr. Bennett: "That's an excellent insight. Intergenerational connection often benefits both parties—providing wisdom and context to younger activists while giving older activists a sense of legacy and continued impact. Let's also consider how we might refine your approach to political communication to make it both more effective and less emotionally taxing for you."

Refining Political Communication for Impact and Well-Being

Dr. Bennett: "Looking at your letter through these lenses, I notice it combines powerful moral witness with specific policy critiques. That's effective in many ways. Where you might consider adjustments is in how you frame alternatives and in setting emotional boundaries around your engagement. How do you typically feel after sending communications like this to elected officials?"

Concerned Citizen: "Honestly? Usually a mix of temporary relief followed by renewed frustration. Relief because I've spoken my truth and not remained silent in the face of what I see as injustice. But frustration because I rarely receive more than a form response, and I see no evidence that my concerns influence their positions. I find myself checking news obsessively afterward, hoping to see some shift in their stance, which of course rarely happens."

Dr. Bennett: "That cycle of momentary relief followed by renewed frustration is quite common among activists. Let's think about how we might help you maintain your commitment to speaking out while reducing the emotional toll. One approach might be to expand your conception of meaningful impact beyond immediately changing officials' positions."

Reframing Impact and Maintaining Well-Being

Dr. Bennett: "As we consider these approaches, I wonder which might resonate most with you? Where do you see potential to shift your engagement in ways that would preserve your moral voice while reducing the emotional toll?"

Concerned Citizen: "I think I need to work on the psychological sustainability practices most urgently. The constant news checking is definitely making things worse. And I like the idea of expanding my definition of impact—seeing my voice as part of a larger chorus rather than expecting my individual letter to change a senator's mind. The legacy perspective appeals to me too. At my age, I'm naturally thinking about what I'll leave behind, and documenting my witness to these events feels meaningful regardless of immediate outcomes."

Dr. Bennett: "Those are excellent insights. Let's develop some concrete practices around those areas. For the news consumption, what would a healthier boundary look like for you?"

Concerned Citizen: "Maybe checking news just twice a day, morning and evening, rather than continuously. And perhaps taking one day each week as a complete break—focusing on nature, family, or creative pursuits instead."

Dr. Bennett: "That sounds like a balanced approach. And for processing the emotions that arise when you do engage with these difficult issues, what practices might help you?"

Concerned Citizen: "Writing has always been therapeutic for me—not just political letters, but reflective journaling. I could do more of that. And I used to meditate regularly but have fallen out of practice. That might help me maintain perspective."

Dr. Bennett: "Both excellent practices. Let's summarize what we've discussed today and outline some concrete steps you might take moving forward."

Summary and Action Steps

Key Insights:

Concrete Next Steps:

Ongoing Reflection Questions:

Dr. Bennett: "As we conclude today's session, I want to acknowledge the depth of your moral commitment and the genuine struggle of witnessing suffering while feeling limited in your ability to affect change. That tension reflects your deep humanity. The goal isn't to eliminate your distress—which in many ways is an appropriate response to disturbing events—but to help you engage with these issues in ways that are both psychologically sustainable and true to your values."

Concerned Citizen: "Thank you, Dr. Bennett. This has been clarifying in many ways. I came in feeling overwhelmed by my emotional reactions, but I'm leaving with a better understanding of where those feelings come from and how I might channel them more effectively. I still believe speaking out against what I see as injustice is essential, but I need to find ways to do that while protecting my well-being."

Dr. Bennett: "That's a powerful integration—maintaining your moral voice while acknowledging your human limits. For our next session, perhaps you could reflect on how the practices we've discussed today affect both your activism and your emotional state. And remember, the very fact that you continue to care so deeply after decades of engagement is itself a form of resistance against cynicism and resignation. There's profound integrity in that."

As the session concludes, the Concerned Citizen appears visibly more settled than when he arrived. While the political concerns that brought him to therapy remain unresolved, he seems to have gained perspective on how to engage with them in a more sustainable way. Dr. Bennett makes a few final notes as his client gathers his things, reflecting on how the intersection of psychological well-being and political engagement presents unique challenges requiring both clinical sensitivity and awareness of broader social contexts.