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Episode Description: In this episode, we welcome Alisa Kamis-Brinda, LCSW, LCADC, a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor with over 20 years of experience in anger management, anxiety, and trauma-informed care. Alisa brings her expertise to the podcast as she dives deep into the complex and often misunderstood emotion of anger. She discusses when anger should be a direct focus in therapy and how clinicians can discern between anger as an emotion versus anger as a behavioral response. This conversation is essential for clinicians and individuals alike, offering insights into the varied expressions of anger—from the overt outbursts to the subtle, passive-aggressive behaviors that often go unnoticed.

Alisa also explores the importance of a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to anger, recognizing that clients may have unique experiences and histories that shape how they perceive and express this emotion. You’ll learn about the powerful role of psychoeducation in anger management, how mindfulness can help clients recognize early signs of anger, and evidence-based strategies that support assertive communication and emotional regulation.

Who Should Listen: This episode is invaluable for mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of anger. Whether you're a clinician looking for therapeutic insights or someone seeking tools to manage your own anger, this episode provides a compassionate, informative, and actionable approach.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to describe when anger should be a direct target in therapy, considering factors such as trauma history, cultural context, and the client’s overall treatment goals.
Participants will be able to identify and address overlooked manifestations of anger in clients and develop strategies to enhance their clinical sensitivity to subtle expressions of anger, particularly within diverse populations
Participants will be able to create individualized anger management treatment plans that could incorporate mindfulness techniques, evidence-based strategies

Key Takeaways:

When Anger Should Be a Target in Therapy: Understanding when and why anger becomes a central focus in treatment, especially when factors like trauma history or cultural context are at play.
Recognizing Overlooked Expressions of Anger: Insight into subtle signs of anger, such as passive and passive-aggressive behaviors, and strategies to address them compassionately.
Personalizing Anger Management Plans: Tailoring therapeutic interventions to include mindfulness practices, assertive communication, and evidence-based techniques to meet clients' unique needs and backgrounds.
The Role of Psychoeducation: How educating clients on the fight-or-flight response and the biological underpinnings of anger can reduce shame and help build self-awareness.
Mindfulness as a Foundational Skill: How mindfulness helps clients notice the early physical and emotional signs of anger, empowering them to make intentional choices before reacting.

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Where to find Alisa: https://serenitysolutionstherapy.com/

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Unpacking Anger: When and How Anger Should Be a Focus in Therapy with Alisa Kamis-Brinda, LCSW, LCADC