320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser

It’s natural for us to have feelings of anger as we navigate the obstacles of life, but if left unaddressed, they can easily consume us and negatively impact our lives in more ways than one. Forgiveness, on the other hand, can help us let go of anger, improve our mental health, and maintain healthier relationships. 

To explore these closely connected topics, we are thrilled to welcome back therapist Robyn Walser, who co-authored The Act Workbook for Anger alongside Manuela O'Connell. Through Robyn’s pool of expertise and her own learning history with anger, we discuss the significance of identifying the root cause of anger, in addition to how social messages, context, and cultural influences can contribute to the way we perceive and manage it. Robyn also shows us how to react to and express anger in ways that are more effective and aligned with our core values, and how, through forgiveness, we can restore relationships and pave the way to deeper healing. Join us to glean wisdom for Robyn and embark on a journey of self-discovery and a more fulfilling life!

Listen and Learn: 

• Robyn’s learning history of anger as a child and the impact it had 
• How social messages, culture, and context affect how we understand, express, and perceive anger
• Why do we experience anger, and why is the emotion itself not necessarily problematic? 
• How to recognize anger through feelings, physiological sensations, thoughts, and actions
• The power of expressing anger effectively
• What does it mean to forgive others and yourself?

Resources: 

• Learn more about Robyn’s upcoming training on ACT for Suicidal Behavior
• Robyn’s Healing Trauma with A T Training
• The Act Workbook for Anger by Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell
• TLConstulation Services
• Follow Robyn on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook 

About Robyn Walser

Robyn D. Walser, PhD, works as a consultant, workshop presenter, and therapist in her private business, TLConsultation Services. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. During her graduate studies, she developed expertise in traumatic stress, substance abuse, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She has been doing ACT workshop trainings, both nationally and internationally, since 1998, training in multiple formats and for multiple client problems.

She is the author of several books, including The ACT Workbook for Anger, Learning ACT, The Heart of ACT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Related Problems. 

Related Episodes: 

• 309. The Language of Emotions with Karla McLaren
• 216. Managing Anger and Irritability, Featuring Russell Kolts
• 276. Assertive Communication Skills with Randy Paterson 
• 106. Therapy from “The Heart of ACT” with Robyn Walser
• 138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser 
• 98. Narcissism with Avigail Lev and Robyn Walser
• 118. Moral Injury and Shame with Lauren Borges and Jacob Farnsworth
• 190. ACT for Suicide Prevention with Sean Barnes 

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