Meera’s perception of her in-laws as the enemy was intense. So was her struggle with her own ‘ugly’ emotions | Gill Straker and Jacqui Winship

In an increasingly polarised world, dividing individuals into “us v them” and “allies and enemies” has become a pervasive mindset.

We arrange ourselves as “for” or “against”, whether it be political parties, vaccinations, climate change or climate change.

But the more subtle and harmful effects on our mental health are often overlooked.

Meera came for therapy because she was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.

Prof Gill Straker and Dr Jacqui Winship are co-authors of The Talking Cure .

Prof Gill also appears on the podcast Three Associating in which relational psychotherapists explore their blind spots.

Meera is a fictitious amalgam to exemplify many similar cases that we see.