Books on Managing Anger

I am happy to be collaborating with Joyce Pharoah and her staff at the Homewood Health Centre, a premiere Canadian mental health facility in Guelph, Ontario. We are creating short, carefully selected lists of books from the psychology and self-help sections for people to read on their own, or ideally with the support of a therapist. These lists will be focused on dealing with particular challenges such as phobias and depression, cultivating positive human qualities such as mindfulness and compassion, and exploring helpful therapeutic practices.

The focus of today's list is books that are helpful in managing or dealing with anger.

- Ken

	The Dance of Anger, by Harriet Lerner In this engaging and eminently wise book, Dr. Lerner teaches women to identify the true sources of our anger and to use anger as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting change.
	When Anger Hurts Your Relationship, by Matthew McKay A first-aid manual for angry couples. Psychologists and best-selling authors Matthew McKay and Kim Paleg present an array of tools and strategies that couples can use to reduce conflict, diffuse intense rages, and move beyond repeated anger dynamics.
	30-Minute Therapy for Anger, by Ronald T. and Patricia S. Potter-Efton Here are proven-effective skills developed by therapists for helping people process and control their anger instead of lashing out at others. These conflict-defusing techniques will help you "cool down" anger so that you can respond calmly and effectively, even in life's most aggravating situations.
	Anger: A Message for Men, by Keith Ashford Anger cannot be managed or massaged---chances are you know that already. Nor can it be denied, avoided, projected, or repressed with any satisfactory result. But here is the miracle: Anger can be transformed into its opposite, which is inner peace.
	The Compassionate Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, by Russell L. Kolts and Paul Gilbert Show you how to take responsibility for your anger and your life by cultivating a new strength: the power of compassion. Based in compassion-focused therapy, these skills and techniques will help you replace angry habits, gain control of your emotions, and improve your relationships.
	A Volcano in My Tummy, by Elaine Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney The book offers engaging, well-organized activities which help to overcome the fear of children's anger which many adult care-givers experience, and distinguishes between anger the feeling, and violence the behavior. Primarily created for ages six to thirteen, it is accessible for use in class or at home.

See also the Canadian Mental Health Association's article on dealing with anger and the American Psychological Association's online guide to anger management.

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