Your Quick Anger Makeover

by Lynne Namka, EdD

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Lynne Namka, EdD. Your Quick Anger Makeover. Talk, Trust & Feel Therapeutics, Tucson, AZ.  $19.95, 226 pages

While I enjoy reading and reviewing books, I have had conflicting feelings in reviewing this book. To begin: the title, Your Quick Anger Makeover, is a misnomer. Anger and its variations (rage, resentment, irritation, annoyance, upsets...) tend to be chronic, deep-seated patterns of perceiving/thinking/judging/feeling/acting. In my own experience as a recovering ‘angerholic,’ there is nothing ‘quick’  about getting over anger. Secondly, the definition of the term ‘makeover’ is ‘a transformation or remodeling of something, especially a person’s hairstyle, makeup or clothes.’ It implies a superficial change or remodeling, as in changing one’s wardrobe. While it is possible to pretend, and ‘makeover’  one’s anger and behavior, I don’t think that this is the kind of deep change that true transformation requires;  nor is this (I believe)  what the author intends to communicate. The idea of a ‘quick makeover’ does not do justice to the wealth of ideas, tools and techniques contained herein.

Having said that, I can now begin a more intelligent discussion of this fine book. Dr. Namka has devoted many years to exploring, studying and working with anger, in herself, her family, and her clients. She has written a series of books on the subject for children (and their parents), appropriately named and colorfully illustrated, ‘THE MAD FAMILY GETS THEIR MADS OUT!’, ‘HOW TO LET GO OF YOUR MAD BAGGAGE’ and ‘PARENTS FIGHT. PARENTS MAKE UP. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.’  Namka has a true calling for working with children, and for educating and disseminating information about how to deal with anger and other emotional issues in healthy ways.    She established her own company, TALK, TRUST AND FEEL THERAPEUTICS, which publishers her books, and therapeutic toys for children, and has created an award-winning website, http://www.angriesout.com/.

Your Quick Anger Makeover is a rich resource, bordering on a mini-encyclopedia, on the best ways to handle and resolve anger, from common sense to trauma research to cognitive-behavioral and energetic/EP approaches. Namka’s writing style is breezy and engaging, ranging in tone from humorous and light-hearted to didactic, to passionate and encouraging (C’mon! You can do it!) The book is full of checklists and exercises designed to assist readers in observing their patterns, and techniques to assist them in changing and re-working those patterns.  

Topics include: Understanding and normalizing anger; emotional intelligence; the roots of anger in trauma, dissociation and PTSD; dynamics of blaming and projection; dealing with abusive partners; defenses and resistance; setting healthy boundaries; etc.   Techniques she recommends include ‘thought stopping,’ examining assumptions and projections, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, releasing blame, taking responsibility, and of course EFT, TAT and EP.

Transforming anger is not for sissies! It takes consistent, mindful effort to confront, challenge and change the patterns of a lifetime.  The title notwithstanding, Your Quick Anger Makeover is an excellent resource for those who are committed to making these changes.
 
Reviewed by John Freedom, CEHP
EFT/MBT Practitioner & Trainer
Chair, ACEP Research Committee
www.energypsych.org
520-241-5124

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