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Unpacking Anger: When and How Anger Should Be a Focus in Therapy with Alisa Kamis-Brinda, LCSW, LCADC

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGWR91znOk/DLLJl8KCUv3BaEKElbeG2g/edit?utm_content=DAGWR91znOk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 

Episode Description: In this episode, we welcome Alisa Kamis-Brinda, LCSW, LCADC, a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor with over 20 years of experience in anger management, anxiety, and trauma-informed care. Alisa brings her expertise to the podcast as she dives deep into the complex and often misunderstood emotion of anger. She discusses when anger should be a direct focus in therapy and how clinicians can discern between anger as an emotion versus anger as a behavioral response. This conversation is essential for clinicians and individuals alike, offering insights into the varied expressions of anger—from the overt outbursts to the subtle, passive-aggressive behaviors that often go unnoticed.

Alisa also explores the importance of a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to anger, recognizing that clients may have unique experiences and histories that shape how they perceive and express this emotion. You’ll learn about the powerful role of psychoeducation in anger management, how mindfulness can help clients recognize early signs of anger, and evidence-based strategies that support assertive communication and emotional regulation.

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Who Should Listen: This episode is invaluable for mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of anger. Whether you're a clinician looking for therapeutic insights or someone seeking tools to manage your own anger, this episode provides a compassionate, informative, and actionable approach.

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Course Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to describe when anger should be a direct target in therapy, considering factors such as trauma history, cultural context, and the client’s overall treatment goals
  • Participants will be able to identify and address overlooked manifestations of anger in clients and develop strategies to enhance their clinical sensitivity to subtle expressions of anger, particularly within diverse populations
  • Participants will be able to create individualized anger management treatment plans that could incorporate mindfulness techniques, evidence-based strategies

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Key Takeaways:

  • When Anger Should Be a Target in Therapy: Understanding when and why anger becomes a central focus in treatment, especially when factors like trauma history or cultural context are at play.
  • Recognizing Overlooked Expressions of Anger: Insight into subtle signs of anger, such as passive and passive-aggressive behaviors, and strategies to address them compassionately.
  • Personalizing Anger Management Plans: Tailoring therapeutic interventions to include mindfulness practices, assertive communication, and evidence-based techniques to meet clients' unique needs and backgrounds.
  • The Role of Psychoeducation: How educating clients on the fight-or-flight response and the biological underpinnings of anger can reduce shame and help build self-awareness.
  • Mindfulness as a Foundational Skill: How mindfulness helps clients notice the early physical and emotional signs of anger, empowering them to make intentional choices before reacting.

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About Our Guest:

Alisa Kamis-Brinda provides therapy to adults struggling with anxiety and stress management, anger management, postpartum anxiety and depression, and addictions.

  • Credentials:
  • BA in Psychology at Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY
  • Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Widener University in Chester, PA
  • LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
  • LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in New Jersey
  • NASW-approved Clinical Supervisor in Pennsylvania
  • Secretary/Treasurer for the Pennsylvania Association for Contextual Behavioral Science 2018-2019
  • Postpartum Support International (PSI) professional member since 2015
  • Association For Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) professional member since 2010
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) member since 2000
  • Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW) member since 2011

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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Where to find Alisa: https://serenitysolutionstherapy.com/  

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