BPC Monthly Newsletter
Finding Your Way... Out of Anger
Tools for Optimizing Emotional & Mental Wellness
May 2006 Issue
In this issue:
Anger
John Bradshaw Workshop
GHP Mental Health Coverage
A Native American grandfather was talking to his
grandson about how he felt. "I feel as if I have two
wolves fighting in my heart. One wolf is the vengeful,
angry, violent one. The other wolf is the loving,
compassionate one." The grandson asked him, "Which
wolf will win the fight in your heart?" The grandfather
answered, "The one I feed."
Have you ever taken the time to count the
number
of times during a single day that you feel anger or
frustration that something is not going the way you
want it to? Even unexpressed, anger can be a
significant obstacle in our quest to feel alive and
happy.
This month we bring you insights on
anger, one of our
most powerful emotions, and how to work
with it effectively.
Dorothy Ashma & the staff of Bloomsburg Psychological Center, LLC
Anger is a normal emotion which, as part of our fight or flight reaction, arises automatically when we correctly or incorrectly feel threatened or out of control. Anger can range from mild irritation to intense fury and rage, and depending on how we use it, can be either make a bad situation worse or lead to is resolution.
There are three general ways we can handle anger. Even though you have probably used all three, see if you can identify your major style of handling anger.
1. Stuffing Anger - Avoiding conflict by ignoring or devaluing anger is a short term solution that eventually leads to conflict in the form of passive aggressive behavior, sarcasm, and eventually an over-reaction of raging. Stuffers deny that they are angry to themselves and to others. The pressure of this unexpressed energy can lead to serious health issues including high blood pressure, migraines, depression, IBS, etc.
2. Escalating Anger - Ragers believe that the best way to get rid of anger is to express it, often loudly, as soon as it begins to build up. Ragers often get temporary compliance by instilling fear in others, but also creates resentment and "pay backs" in their victims. They also increase their risk of heart attacks and other serious health problems.
3. Direct Expression of Anger - When someone is able to discuss their anger there is a good chance that the problem can be resolved. Use sentences such as "I am angry because..." "I would like..." This allows the other person to respond without going into their own fight or flight response. Remember - Using a calm voice, an "I" statement instead of a "you" statement and being aware of your body and facial language will facilitate the process.
You can also reduce the frequency that you experience anger by becoming aware of how often you "expect" people or situations to go the way you think they should. The false belief that life is controllable is the greatest cause of anger and frustration. Try accepting the unpredictable nature of life. Let go of expectations and be open to a more spontaneous perspective. Notice that often when we let things unfold, unexpected possibilities spontaneously arise.
On-line Anger Quiz
On-line Anxiety-Anger Quiz
Rageaholics Anonymous Anger Assessment
John Bradshaw, nationally renown educator,
author and creator of the PBS series "Homecoming" is
coming to Lewisburg, Sept. 22nd-24th.
"Recovering Your Innocence: The Power of Inner Child
Healing" is
a unique opportunity for anyone interested in deep
healing. The workshop will focus on expressing
unresolved grief
and healing the toxic shame that keeps us stuck in
unproductive patterns.
Kip Flock, clinical director of the John Bradshaw Center in Los Angeles for five years and currently in private practice in our area, will demonstrate Inner Child healing skills and participate with John throughout this experiential weekend.
Therapists from BPC will form part of the support staff throughout the
weekend.
This is an unbelievable opportunity to have so close to home, and as space is limited, you may want to sign up early. There is a Friday night Mini-Workshop and an in-depth Weekend Workshop. You can download the brochure, register on-line or call Kip Flock for additional information at 570-743-1055.
| GHP Mental Health Coverage |
The Geisinger Health Plan, as of July 1st, will no longer be contracted with Cigna to administer their mental health benefits. Instead, benefits will be overseen by United Behavioral Health (UBH). This transition should be relatively simple for BPC clients. All of our therapists are already UBH providers and our office will oversee the certification and billing changes that will need to be made. We do not anticipate any interruption in your care.
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