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Have you been distressed in an era of polarization? Politics, social and environmental issues have all seemed to be hampered by partisanship and increasing divides. Sometimes it feels like we’re on different teams, or it’s “Us versus Them.” In this group, we’ll explore the dynamics of polarization, learn how to manage anxiety, and become more effective in our relationships and community.

In this group, you can:

• Explore processes of polarization & mechanisms of misunderstanding.
• Increase interpersonal effectiveness & communication.
• Improve coping skills, anxiety management, and mindfulness.
• Increase understanding, empathy, and compassion.
• Build bridges through dialogue, common ground, and connection.
• Be empowered to engage effectively in relationships & communities. 

Expectations of Group Members:

1. This is a non-partisan group setting, with the intent of building bridges instead of maximizing differences. Partisanship needs to be left at the door and participants are expected to come with an open mind, even though we recognize all of us come with our own beliefs, ideologies, and perspectives.
2. This is not a group setting to prove one's stance, to be right, or make someone else wrong. We're looking at how to re-engage with self and others with more dialogue, understanding, and capacity to make connections, even if we may sometimes feel quite different.
3. To support emotional safety and privacy, we expect everyone to honor confidentiality agreements. This includes not discussing who attends the group, nor any identifiable information about what people share with anyone outside of the group. 
4. We expect all group participants to be respectful. Consistent attendance and timeliness, listening to others, and being open to different perspectives (even if you disagree) are all important. The group will include introspective reflection to explore our own counterproductive patterns, and how to increase empathy and compassion for self and others. 
5. Group facilitators may separately recommend additional behavioral support, such as individual therapy, if believed it may be beneficial. Participants not abiding by group expectations may be warned, and in some instances, instructed not to attend further.
6. Creating subgroups with other participants in or outside of the group, particularly those of a partisan nature, are discouraged and can have a counterproductive effect on group dynamics. 

Learn More About Anxiety

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• Counseling & Psychological Services Center 
•  801-626-6406 
•  Request Presentation  
•  24-Hour Crisis Lines 

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