The ACT Workbook for Anger

Robyn D. Walser PhD , Manuela O’Connell

As a young child, I (RDW) witnessed the power and impact of anger. To whomever in my family the anger was directed, it was paramount to move quickly and do whatever was possible to stop the fury that was about to be unleashed. Frantic, panicked children dashed to clean, hide, be quiet, get small, or try to disappear so as to not be a victim of the impending rage. I learned that anger was dangerous and to be avoided. Growing up in a family where domestic violence was part of my experience, I came to understand how anger could work to control those around you and instill fear in all who experienced the tirade of the moment. This led me to fear my own as well as others’ anger. Anger was a tool to control people, and I came to distrust those who expressed anger in inappropriate ways.