Episode 34: Three Angry People

Anger is one of the least understood and appreciated of the primary human emotions. 

Like all energy in the universe, anger, in the form of electrical and chemical energy, does not just go away on its own. When we try to ignore it, push it away, or pretend we don't see it, anger builds up inside of us. It affects our minds, distorting our thoughts and our moods. It affects our bodies, raising our stress, driving up blood pressure, lowering our immune response, and exhausting us. 

If we neglect it for too long, it can blow up in unexpected ways, shattering relationships and holding us back in life. Thankfully, the technology for defusing the anger bomb is straightforward and accessible to everyone. 

In today’s episode, we discuss the three primary ways anger issues walk into the therapy room, in the form of three general models of angry people: the Angry Person, the People Pleaser, and the Emotionally Numb Person. We look at the characteristics of each of these archetypes and explore how these behaviors come into being. We also delve into the mindset behind these behavioral strategies.

You may recognize some or all of these characteristics in your own life. In listening to today’s show, you will gain insight into where your anger comes from and what it really means. We will conclude with a hopeful message about the the direction to take to disarm it once and for all.