Experiential conceptualization and treatment of anger

An emotionally focused conceptualization and treatment of anger is describe d and illustrated using the case examples of Celeste and David. This approa ch is based on ongoing assessment of different anger processes and states. Five sources of information for emotion assessment are outlined. Assessment distinguishes between environmentally directed and sell-directed anger, be tween overcontrolled and underregulated anger, between painful emotion and bad feelings, and between primary, secondary, and instrumental anger. These different processes and states call for different intervention strategies. The three-phase process of emotionally focused therapy for problems with a nger also is illustrated using the case examples. Intervention with David e mphasized accessing overcontrolled adaptive anger, whereas the emphasis wit h Celeste was on exploring secondary rage to access more vulnerable experie nce of hurt, fear, and shame. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.