Marital First Responders - Bill Doherty
In this Stronger Marriage webinar, renowned therapist and co-founder of Braver Angels, Dr. Bill Doherty, shares strategies for healing division within families and communities. He highlights the role of structured communication, emotional safety, and shared commitments in bridging deep divides. Learn how to reduce polarization, navigate tense conversations, and build stronger, more respectful relationships—whether at home or in society.
Time Markers
00:00 – Welcome and introduction by Nyah Phelps
00:25 – Dr. Doherty’s background in marriage therapy and community dialogue
01:20 – Personal experiences with divided families and national polarization
02:48 – The mission of Braver Angels: reducing political and social polarization
04:20 – Lessons from couples therapy applied to society
05:10 – The role of commitment and emotional safety in healing division
06:40 – Structured communication helps reduce misunderstanding
07:55 – “Being right” vs. being relational
09:20 – Creating conditions for openness and listening
10:30 – Addressing family disagreements around politics and values
11:45 – Understanding your role in the family dynamic
13:00 – Conversations between parents and adult children
14:25 – Navigating generational values and identity
15:34 – Tools to have productive, non-defensive conversations
17:00 – The importance of timing, tone, and curiosity
18:25 – Family relationships as more than ideological alignment
19:48 – Steps to repair after a conflict
21:03 – Why shared rituals and history matter
22:30 – How to balance honesty with care
24:00 – Examples of family healing through intentional communication
25:45 – Final reflections on personal growth and connection
26:32 – Q&A with attendees
28:05 – Dr. Doherty’s encouragement: lead with love, not judgment
29:10 – Closing remarks
About Bill Doherty:
Bill Doherty, Ph.D. is an emeritus professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota. He is past president of the National Council on Family Relationships and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy.
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