Can Christian counseling in Chicago help me navigate political disagreements with family or friends?

How to navigate political disagreements as a Christian

“You are voting for whom?! I can’t believe it. I don’t even want to talk to you anymore.”  

Sound familiar? Political disagreements have a way of driving a wedge between people, even those we care about deeply. It can feel like there’s no way back to connection once that divide has been established.

In today’s world, it often feels like loving someone means agreeing with everything they say and believe. When it comes to politics or other hot-button issues, disagreements can feel more like declarations of hate than differences in perspective. And, as Christians, that tension can be especially painful because it seems to challenge our commitment to love one another.

Whether it’s a personal relationship that’s become strained, or judgment toward groups with different political views, navigating these disagreements can be tough. The stakes feel high, and emotions can run deep. 

As a Christian counselor in Chicago, I’ve seen firsthand how political disagreements have not only fractured relationships but also contributed to stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout among people. 

But there’s hope! I want to help you find ways to reconnect, even when political disagreements feel overwhelming. Let’s explore how curiosity, compassion, and grace can lead to healthier, more meaningful conversations.

Cultivating Curiosity in Christian Counseling to Navigate Conflict 

When political conversations heat up, the natural reaction is to defend, argue, or shut down. But what if instead of arguing, we approached conflict with curiosity? In Christian counseling in Chicago, I often encourage clients to explore what’s beneath the disagreement—the values and emotions that are at play.

Political differences often touch on deeply held values and beliefs. These are what author Amy Hamilton Brown calls “heart characteristics,” the traits and principles we cherish and live by. For instance, in a discussion about race, values like belonging, dignity, respect, equality, grace, and kindness might come into play.

If you feel someone isn’t honoring your values, it’s completely natural to feel hurt or upset. But by staying curious, you open the door to learning more about their perspective—and your own.

Asking Questions, Building Understanding

In the midst of a disagreement, curiosity can feel like a lifeline. Jesus often asked questions, not out of judgment, but from a place of genuine curiosity—helping people feel seen and encouraging reflection on what was in their hearts. 

In Christian counseling, we look at how asking thoughtful questions can help shift the focus from winning an argument to understanding one another.

A few questions you might ask are:  

• What led you to that belief?

• How does this issue connect to what you value most?

• What’s important to you about this topic?

These questions can help soften the intensity of the conversation, giving both sides space to share their thoughts and values. And when both people feel heard, it becomes easier to agree to disagree without letting the disagreement define the relationship.

Managing Emotions with the Mind-Body Connection

As a Christian counselor in Chicago who focuses on the mind-body connection, I help clients notice their emotional responses and physical sensations during difficult conversations. Political discussions can trigger strong emotions—anger, frustration, sadness—especially when core values are at stake.

Learning to recognize what’s happening in your body can help you regulate your emotions more effectively. You might ask yourself:  

• What emotion am I feeling right now?

• Where do I feel tension in my body?

• What do I need at this moment to stay calm?

By tuning into these cues, you can pause before reacting and choose how to respond in a way that reflects your values, rather than letting the heat of the moment take control.

Practical Tips for Grounding Yourself

Here are a few simple ways to stay grounded during tough political discussions:

• Take a Breath: When you feel yourself getting worked up, take a deep breath. You don’t have to respond right away. Try saying something like, “I need a moment to think about this.”

• Feel Your Feet on the Ground: If you’re feeling unsettled, pay attention to the sensation of your feet on the floor. It’s a simple way to feel more stable and connected.

• Take a Break:  It’s okay to step away if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can say, “I care about what you have to say and I need a break from this conversation for now and come back to it later.”

• Appeal to Your Relationship: If the conversation turns unproductive, say, “I care about you more than this topic. Let’s pause for now.”

These small shifts in how you engage can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, respectful dialogue—even when you disagree.

Connecting to Your Faith in Christian Counseling

At the heart of Christian counseling in Chicago is the reminder that, as children of God, we are called to reflect His love—even in challenging conversations. Prayer and scripture can provide a foundation for approaching disagreements with grace.

Two scriptures I often meditate on are:  

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalms 103:8 NIV).  

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).

It’s not about denying our emotions or avoiding anger. Instead, when we stay rooted in God’s love and remember that we are His beloved children, we can embrace our feelings while still approaching disagreements with a gentler heart—open to listening, taking our time before speaking, and more willing to extend grace.

How do I find Grace in Political Disagreements?

Disagreements about politics don’t have to destroy relationships. With curiosity, emotional awareness, and a strong connection to God’s love, you can navigate these conversations with kindness and understanding. 

Keep in mind that shifting the way you interact in your relationships takes practice, and it’s okay if it doesn’t always go well. Extending grace to yourself during this learning process is just as important as offering it to others. Be gentle with yourself—each experience is a chance to grow and learn.

Schedule a free consultation for Christian counseling in Chicago 

If political disagreements are creating tension in your relationships, Christian counseling in Chicago can provide the tools to help you manage conflict and restore connection. Book a free 15-minute consultation today to learn how I can support you on this journey! 

As a Christian Counselor in Chicago, Lisaura specializes in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help people heal, improve their relationships, and feel more whole. Lisaura offers individual relationship counseling, dance therapy, and couples workshops to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply. 

Spanish-speaking services are available as well.