Aftermath: Healing from the Trump Presidency

Psychoanalyst Dr. Karyne E. Messina cant diagnose former President Donald J. Trump. But his behavior matches whats known in her circles as projective identification: people who are distinctly uncomfortable with their own thoughts and actions may unconsciously try to dispose of those feeling by blaming others. Instead of taking responsibility they project and their victims might not even realize quite whats wrong. Over the past four years Donald Trump has encouraged the development of a generation of people inclined to this behavior along with hateful identity politics and bigotry and who no longer know how to engage in thoughtful meaningful debate. Rooted in psychoanalysis Aftermath is a prescription for our country and a guide to healing. It will take time patience and a willingness to take stock of our countrys divergent viewpoints. We must also demand that our leaders engage in a process that incorporates a respectful way of communicating. By combatting projective identification in all its forms Messina says we can make progress learn from each other and heal the divide.