Anger Management: Coping skills from a therapist

In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin discusses the complexities of anger, emphasizing that it is not the emotion itself that is problematic, but rather how we respond to it. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tools for managing anger, particularly through the lens of occupational therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The conversation explores the importance of emotional regulation, the impact of stress on relationships, and strategies for navigating anger in parenting and interpersonal dynamics.Takeaways from the epsiode:Anger is a natural emotion, not a moral failing.Uncontrollable anger stems from emotion regulation issues.You can create space between feeling angry and reacting.Labeling your feelings can help manage emotional responses."Dropping the rope" in a mental tug-of-war can reduce conflict.Anchoring yourself in values guides your actions during anger.De-fusion techniques help avoid getting tangled in angry thoughts.Meeting your basic needs can prevent emotional outbursts.Curiosity about your feelings can lead to better understanding.Calm boundaries are more effective than explosive reactions.Click here to get in touch Thanks for listening!Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review.If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:[email protected] is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6abIf you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467