Anger is a normal human emotion, but when it goes unmanaged, the costs can be high. It can affect our health, our relationships, and even our ability to think clearly. The good news is that with the right tools, anger can be understood and managed in a healthier way.

Anger is part of being human. We all feel it — sometimes as mild irritation, other times as intense frustration. But anger isn’t just an emotion in the mind. It’s a mind–body experience that changes how we think, feel, and even how our body functions.

Many people think of anger as one single emotion that just “takes over,” but in reality anger has different forms, each with its own triggers and patterns. By understanding the different types of anger, we can begin to see what’s happening beneath the surface — and discover healthier ways to respond.

One moment you feel in control, the next you’re swept up in a storm of anger. It might feel like you’re “losing it,” but in reality your body is following ancient survival wiring. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface.

Emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when anger, frustration, or hurt arises in the middle of a challenging moment. One powerful skill for regaining balance is emotional labeling — the practice of noticing and naming what we feel.

Cultivating the capacity to tune into bodily sensations without being overwhelmed is a cornerstone of lasting emotion regulation. Over the years, clinical counsellors have distilled these capacities into a simple, four‑step “Preparation Hierarchy” (Kase, 2023).

Coined by Dr. Dan Siegel, the Window of Tolerance refers to the optimal zone of nervous system arousal where a person can think clearly, process emotions, and engage meaningfully with others.

One of the foundations of emotional intelligence is our ability to stay present with strong emotions without being overwhelmed. And one of the most powerful tools for this is something you already carry with you every moment of the day: your breath.

Understanding and working with emotions, not against them.

Many men come to therapy for the same reason: they’re ready to understand themselves better and take ownership of how they show up in relationships, at work, and in life.

Rather than trying to change, fix, or manage what we experience, meditation here is about turning our attention gently back to what is always quietly present: the open, uncontrived open-awareness that serves as the ground for every thought, emotion, perception, and sensation.

Summer offers a unique window for healing—longer days, more ease, and time in nature can create the perfect conditions to begin trauma counselling. Whether you're exploring EMDR, IFS, or simply seeking space to reconnect with yourself, this season can gently support your journey.

In our daily lives, emotions often feel like forces beyond our control—whether it's a sudden wave of frustration, a surge of joy, or the quiet pull of sadness. Our minds react instinctively, layering thought upon thought, story upon story, shaping how we experience the moment. But what if, instead of being carried away by these reactions, we could pause and step into the direct knowing of emotion itself?

Are you struggling to heal from past trauma? Discover how combining Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with Internal Family Systems (IFS) can offer a powerful, holistic approach to trauma recovery. EMDR helps process traumatic memories, while IFS addresses the internal parts of you that hold the emotional weight of past experiences. Together, they provide a comprehensive healing experience that fosters deeper emotional integration and long-term growth. Learn more about how this combined therapy can help you move past your trauma and live with greater peace and harmony.

These days it seems to have become far too easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. Many people seek therapy, medication, or mindfulness practices to manage their mental health—but what if one of the most powerful tools for emotional balance was something as simple as movement?

Emotions are an essential part of being human. They shape how we experience life, connect with others, and make decisions. But at times, emotions can feel overwhelming—like a flood that takes over—or distant and unreachable, as if we’ve disconnected from ourselves.

Rather than rejecting emotions or trying to control them, the key to emotional regulation is integration. Emotions are not just abstract mental states; they live in the body. By learning to tune into and sustain a curiosity with our emotions, rather than being consumed by them, we can cultivate stability, presence, and resilience in daily life.

In a world that often feels chaotic, it’s easy to get caught up in racing thoughts, overwhelming emotions, or the never-ending to-do lists of everyday life. But beneath all of this—beneath the mental noise and shifting moods—there is something steady, something that doesn’t change. At Inner Knowing Therapy, I call this simple yet profound presence natural awareness.

Finding a therapist who understands your cultural identity can be transformative. For many racialized individuals, cultural competency means being seen, heard, and supported without having to explain every nuance of their lived experience. As a Chinese Canadian therapist, I strive to provide a safe space where cultural identity and mental health intersect—helping clients navigate the complexities of bicultural identity, intergenerational expectations, and the unique burdens that arise from being a child of immigrants.

This blog post explores the challenges faced by Asian clients with emotionally unsupportive parents, drawing on my personal experience as a Chinese Canadian. It offers counseling strategies focused on building trust, understanding cultural norms, and validating emotions. The post emphasizes finding a healthy balance between independence and interdependence. Clients are encouraged to explore their emotions and practice active listening, creating a foundation for more empathetic and understanding relationships. Ultimately, the goal is to empower clients to nurture their emotional well-being while strengthening family connections in a healthy, balanced way.