President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive 2024 victory has sent shockwaves through liberal circles in New York City, with therapists reporting an influx of requests for appointments. Many clients are reaching out to process feelings of fear, anger, and uncertainty about the political future.
“It’s a perfect storm for therapists,” said Manhattan psychologist Chloe Carmichael, who noted a 15% increase in patient inquiries. “It feels like a repeat of 2016, where many people are scared and traumatized by what they see as a major shift in the country.”
Alyson Cohen, a New York-based psychotherapist, described receiving a deluge of panicked texts from clients the day after the election. Many expressed deep concerns for their children’s futures, with some women questioning whether they should have children at all due to fears about reproductive rights.
The political divide is also causing strife in relationships. Psychotherapist Lisa Brateman said couples who supported opposing candidates are struggling to reconcile their differences. “For some women, their partner’s support for Trump feels like a personal betrayal,” Brateman explained.
Despite the emotional turmoil, some therapists say the clear and quick resolution of the election has been a small relief for their clients. “The clarity of the result has eased some of the tension people felt about prolonged uncertainty,” Carmichael said.
With Trump having won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, New York’s liberal base is grappling with the reality of his return to the White House. Therapists anticipate a sustained demand for services as their clients navigate their emotions in the coming weeks.
