Taking Charge of Anger, Second Edition: Six Steps to Asserting Yourself Without Losing Control

Do you "see red" more often than you'd like--and find yourself saying things you'll regret? Are friends or coworkers complaining that your joking has a hostile edge? Has brooding over other people's bad behavior been keeping you up at night? This straight-talking book--grounded in over 25 years of experience--has already helped many tens of thousands of readers understand and manage destructive anger in all its forms. If you've decided you want to gain control of your anger, or if someone else has urged you to "get a grip--or else," anger expert Dr. Robert Nay has a message that might surprise you: There's nothing wrong with the way you feel. Anger can be a positive force that shows us when to stand up for what we want or need. It's what we do with our anger that makes the difference between solving a problem and making it worse. Dr. Nay's six-step plan for taking charge of anger is effective and easy to learn, and--unlike other programs--brings about lasting change. Clear explanations of all the different factors that can trigger anger, plus quizzes and worksheets that uncover what makes you mad, put you in the driver's seat. The second edition includes a new chapter on forgiveness, plus updated examples and resources. Dr. Nay guides you to: *Determine which of the five "faces of anger" are a problem for you, from passive-aggression to all-out rage.*Understand the anatomy of anger: what brings it on and how an anger episode unfolds.*Identify and change unrealistic expectations you have for yourself and other people.*Recognize the early warning signs of anger in your physical sensations and thoughts.*Master cooling-off strategies that work in the heat of the moment. Dr. Nay helps you make anger control second nature, even in stressful, hot-button situations. You'll learn all kinds of ways to stop an anger episode as it is first developing--before it takes on a life of its own. You'll also gain skills for dealing with other people's discourtesy or provocation. Techniques for defusing conflict and communicating your feelings calmly will enable you to put a lid on destructive anger while strongly asserting your needs. Based on the proven principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the approach presented here is optimistic, practical, and empowering. If anger is getting in the way of your goals--or disrupting the relationships most precious to you--the time to make changes is now.