The Therapist’s Dilemma
As is often paraphrased from Dante’s Inferno: “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.”
Therapists are trained to hold space for multiple truths, to suspend judgment, and to create a non-directive environment where clients feel safe to explore their inner worlds. Neutrality, in this sense, is a cornerstone of our work.
But what happens when neutrality collides with a moral crisis?
In the therapy room, silence can sometimes feel like safety. We worry about imposing our values, steering the session, or slipping into advocacy. But in moments of collective upheaval, be it systemic © Psychology Today
