Overcoming Anger

How to break the cycle of arguments, put-downs, and stony silences.

by W. Robert Nay, Ph.D.

When Someone Is In Your Face

You are having a conversation with someone you care about and this person starts to raise his voice and the tone shifts to angry and challenging. You are a bit shocked and now feel compelled to raise your own voice and defend yourself. Your heart starts to race and your voice feels shaky. You can't just let his aggressive tone stand without standing up for yourself, can you? Read More

Dear Mr. Obama: Forget The Calm, Rational Approach

I sat through the Sunday morning news show listening to pundits, including his supporters, ask why Mr. Obama is so calm and collected through this oil spill crisis. Read More

When Anger is Sudden and Completely Unexpected: Understanding the "Five Ss"

You are having a wonderful time. All is going well as you discuss a mildly irritating issue with your partner. Then suddenly you find yourself really angry---your voice intensifies and you act like an angry jerk. Your partner is just as surprised as you are by this unexpected outburst---and for such a trivial issue! What just happened? Read More

Is Anger Keeping Your Relationship Stuck In a Never-Ending Pattern of Argument and Recrimination?

Recently I was asked by a participant at a seminar I gave to define the most important thing for couples to identify if they are experiencing anger or conflict. Based on my 25 years of helping “angry” people move beyond their ire and into resolution of conflict, here goes. Read More

Is Anger a Problem for You or Someone You Love?

Happy Holidays? How to "Expect" Yourself Into Disillusionment and Relationship Discord

This is the season to be "jolly," to be "home" for Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) and to "Deck the Halls" with whatever holiday decorations and traditions you have grown up with----Right? Well, I wish you a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays and that all of your dreams and plans for this season come true! But, let's get serious. Read More

W. Robert Nay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the author of the forthcoming Overcoming Anger in Your Relationship.

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About Overcoming Anger

Anger and conflict are pervasive in our lives. Deborah Tannen has called us the "Argument Culture." Based on thirty years of working with all the faces of anger---from passive-aggression to hostility and abuse, this blog offers the reader the latest in ideas and strategies to manage individual and relationship anger before it manages you.