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The State Department organized a therapy session for its staff following Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon, citing information from four knowledgeable sources.
An internal email circulated within the department focused on “managing stress during change,” inviting employees to participate in an hour-long session last Friday to process their emotions about the election outcome.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Employee Consultation Services within the Medical Services Bureau coordinated the event, which one individual characterized as a ‘cry session’ over Trump’s win.
The circulated email, as quoted by the Free Beacon, stated: “Change is a constant in our lives, but it can often bring about stress and uncertainty. Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into effective stress management techniques to help you navigate these challenging times. This session will provide tips and practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining your well being.”
A certified clinical professional conducted the session, with another scheduled for November 13. Additionally, the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs organized a separate discussion with assistant secretary Barbara Leaf and acting undersecretary John Bass, as confirmed by three informed sources.
“For four years, within the rank and file, there has been an overemphasis on people’s feelings, often with a college campus-like fervor, rather than the work of advancing America’s interests,” revealed one U.S. official to the outlet.
Maybe it’s time for a career change if you’re attending therapy sessions at the State Department https://t.co/e1chqrACyH pic.twitter.com/D8uFw46FKe
— Erin Perrine (@ErinMPerrine) November 13, 2024
The same source added that this meeting was “hopefully the last gasp of that,” noting there’s “lots to unf***” at the State Department.
The department declined to respond to the Free Beacon’s inquiry about the sessions. This isn’t unprecedented behavior for the State Department, which previously offered counseling to employees in May 2023 when an IT feature accidentally misgendered some staff members.
