The Gift of Anger: 7 Steps to Uncover the Meaning of Anger and Gain Awareness, True Strength, and Peace

Using anger-resolution techniques learned from other therapists and refined for her own clients, psychotherapist Cannon offers a seven-step blueprint for utilizing the positive potential of anger while dissolving its negative impulse. Cannon's process includes recognizing physical symptoms and mental patterns of anger and using a safe method, such as breathing deeply, to discharge one's initial rush of emotion; describing feelings about the anger-provoking experience by writing a self-discovery letter; and writing an affirmation statement that one's feelings and actions during the anger-provoking experience were correct. The other steps are identifying one's unmet need; deciding how to fill this need and taking manageable steps to do so, congratulating oneself after each step; exploring the other person's frame of reference during the angering incident; and freeing oneself by offering forgiveness to the person who angered one. If you're angry with yourself, Cannon offers a twist on the original with a nine-step gift-of-anger process, but this feels confusing and tacked on. The writing is pedestrian throughout, and although Cannon's process provides many helpful tools for self-knowledge and the harnessing of one's emotional turmoil, her anger-resolution techniques are best suited to accompany professional therapy or anger management sessions. (Apr.)