Anger is an interesting emotion. In its best moments, this powerful emotion can serve as protection for yourself and others. But at its worst, anger can cause long-lasting physical changes that impact your health and well-being. Russell Kolts, author of Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, is an expert on Compassion Focused Therapy and has spent his career working with individuals who suffer from problematic anger, trauma, mood, and attachment-related difficulties. On this episode of POTC, Russell and Debbie discuss anger – when it’s useful, when it’s not, and what you can do about it! Join us in this episode for practical advice for fostering compassion in moments of anger today!
Listen and Learn:
- How Debbie and Diana address anger in their clinical work
- Russell Kolts’s thoughts on power and anger
- How avoidance might be a major factor in your experiences with anger
- Russell’s expert insights on righteous anger
- Important differences between compassionate and uncompassionate ways of responding to anger
- Practical advice for fostering compassion and connecting to common humanity in moments of anger
- Russell’s evidence-based strategies and resources for overcoming automatic, reflexive responses to anger
Resources:
- Watch Russel’s TEDx talk on Anger, Compassion, and What it Means to be Strong
- Buy Russell’s book, Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy to Calm Your Rage and Heal Your Relationships
- Check out a few other anger books we recommend: The Practitioner’s Guide to Anger Management, Anger Management for Everyone, ACT on Life Not on Anger: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Guide to Problem Anger, and Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh
- A blog post on assertive communication by Debbie
- Learn more about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Habit Loops
- Check out Rhonda Magee’s The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness
- Grab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych!
- Be sure to attend Diana’s From Striving To Thriving summit, and Jill’s PESI workshop Breakthrough ACT Techniques & Experiential Exercises: A Clinical Roadmap to Help Clients Overcome Psychological Distress in October!
- Check out Debbie, Diana, Yael, and Jill’s websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more!
About Russell Kolts:
Russell Kolts, PhD is a clinical psychologist and founder of the Inland Northwest Compassionate Mind Center. He regularly conducts trainings and workshops on Compassion-Focused Therapy, as well as on mindfulness and compassion practices. His professional interests lie primarily in the application of CFT and mindfulness approaches to individuals suffering from problematic anger, trauma, mood, and attachment-related difficulties. He’s written several terrific books including CFT Made Simple, Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out, and An Open-Hearted Life. In his personal life, Dr. Kolts enjoys family time, reading, meditation, outdoor activities, and listening to and playing music. Explore all of his resources at his website, compassionatemind.net, and buy his latest book, Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy to Calm Your Rage and Heal Your Relationships.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 50. Compassion Focused Therapy with Russell Kolts
- Episode 147. Extending Compassion with Janina Scarlet and Sara Schairer
- Episode 201. Fierce Compassion with Kristin Neff
- Episode 120. Use DBT Skills To Regulate Emotions And Be More Effective In Relationships With Matthew McKay
note: The quote “My actions are my only true belongings” is a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh in his book the Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings.
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