Ep. 23 – Polarization with Sue Kolod
In episode 23 of Psychoanalysis & You, host Gail Saltz speaks with Sue Kolod, president of the North American Psychoanalytic Confederation and co-leader of the Depolarization Project, about understanding and addressing polarization in our personal and political lives.
Kolod and Salts discuss what happens when disagreement becomes toxic, like when you dash into a store to avoid walking past a person you fundamentally oppose, and asks what psychoanalysis has to offer in response. Drawing on concepts from Vamik Volkan about “chosen trauma” and “large group identity,” she examines why deeply held beliefs feel so personal, and why curiosity about ourselves and others becomes nearly impossible under polarization.
Through vivid examples—including her own experience with the Boston Conversations Project where pro-life and pro-choice women found unexpected common ground—Kolod illustrates how human connection, empathy, and an understanding of the historical and family experiences shaping our convictions can help us maintain relationships across deep disagreement.
This episode offers concrete insights into the defense mechanisms (splitting, projection) that drive polarization and explores how leaders and “surprising validators” can create the safety necessary for dialogue.
Our Guest
Dr. Susan Kolod is a psychologist and psychoanalyst in New York City. Dr. Kolod provides therapy to individuals from an interpersonal perspective to aid them in dealing with a broad range of personal problems. She focuses her practice particularly on helping individuals with issues of relationships and sexuality, and she has lectured and written on related topics. Dr. Kolod works both virtually and in person at her Washington Square office. At the William Alanson White Institute, she is a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst and member of the Faculty. Dr.Kolod is a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Psychoanalytic Association and serves on the Executive Committee as a representative from North America
Our Host
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.
The Official APsA Podcast
‘Psychoanalysis & You‘ is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) where each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. We explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation.
APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.
What to Expect
Each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. Whether you’re a psychology student, a mental health professional, or simply curious about your own psyche, our content is designed to enlighten and inspire. Our episodes are published monthly and we welcome any feedback, suggestions, or guest invitations. Explore more episodes here