Understanding Anger: What It Is and How to Work With It

Anger isn’t the enemy—it’s a protective signal.

In this talk, I explain anger as both a mental appraisal and a physiological state, and share three simple practices to help you keep your ability to choose how you act in the moment.

You’ll learn how thoughts, body sensations (interoception), and urges interact; why the “anger loop” can escalate on autopilot; and how to label and gauge intensity, use three-wave breathing, and make a respectful pause statement that protects your relationships and your values.

-Introduction

-What anger is for?

-The anger loop: situation → meaning → body → urges → consequences.

-Processes that help (awareness, flexible thinking, habits, approaching cues).

-Three practices: label & gauge, three-wave breathing, pause statement.

-Putting it together & next steps.

Paul Izenberg, RCC, CCC, CAMS-II, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Anger Management Specialist based in British Columbia, Canada. He helps people turn anger into insight with structured, skills-based programs that focus on nervous-system regulation, flexible thinking, and relationship repair and values.

Disclaimer

Educational content only; not a substitute for therapy. If you’re in crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis line.