Healing Anger: How to Build a Healthy Relationship with the Emotion of Anger
A Four-Week Transformational Module
Anger is one of the most misunderstood and mishandled emotions in recovery. Many of us were taught that anger is bad, dangerous, or something to suppress. Others learned to use anger as a weapon or shield. But anger itself isn't the problem—it's how we relate to it and what we do with it that matters.
This comprehensive four-week module will help you:
  • Understand anger as valuable information about your boundaries, needs, and values
  • Recognize anger in your body before it hijacks you
  • Transform reactive patterns into conscious, intentional responses
  • Set boundaries without aggression or guilt
  • Express anger skillfully in ways that honor yourself and others
  • Use anger as a compass pointing you toward authenticity and alignment
What Makes This Module Different
This isn't just theory—it's a complete system for working with anger that integrates:
  • Education on the physiology and psychology of anger
  • Somatic practices to regulate your nervous system and move anger through your body
  • Real-world tools you can use immediately when anger arises
  • Weekly practices to build new neural pathways and habits
  • Trauma-informed approaches that honor your healing journey
  • Relationship guidance for working with anger in intimate connections
Module Structure
Week 1: Recognizing Anger and Developing Stopgap Skills Learn what anger actually is, understand the anger iceberg (what's underneath), recognize your body's early warning signs, and develop the STOP method for creating space between stimulus and response.
Week 2: Victim Mindset, Blame, and Accountability Explore blame patterns, victim mentality, and taking responsibility without shame. Learn to distinguish between accountability and self-punishment while building compassionate self-awareness.
Week 3: Distinguishing Anger and Aggression, Healthy Expression Understand the difference between aggressive and assertive anger, learn to set boundaries skillfully, work with resentment, and use anger as information rather than a weapon.
Week 4: Integration, Authenticity, and Spiritual Alignment Connect anger to your authentic self and values, practice expressing anger in alignment with your truth, and integrate all the tools into sustainable practices for ongoing growth.
Who This Module Is For
This module is designed for anyone who:
  • Struggles with explosive anger or rage
  • Suppresses anger until it comes out sideways
  • Uses passive-aggression or silent treatment
  • Feels controlled by their anger
  • Wants healthier relationships and communication
  • Is in recovery and ready to work with anger consciously
  • Has unresolved trauma that manifests as anger
  • Wants to transform anger from a destructive force into a source of wisdom and empowerment
How to Use This Module
In-Person or Online Group (Recommended): This module is designed to be facilitated in a group setting over four weeks, meeting weekly for 90-120 minutes. The group format provides support, shared learning, and accountability.
Self-Paced Individual Work: You can also work through this module on your own, completing one week at a time. If you choose to do this independently, we strongly encourage you to have support in place—a therapist, sponsor, trusted friend, or accountability partner. This work can bring up strong emotions and old patterns, and having support makes the journey safer and more sustainable.
What You'll Need
  • Journal or notebook for weekly reflections
  • Commitment to practicing between sessions
  • Willingness to look honestly at your patterns
  • Compassion for yourself as you learn and grow
  • Support system (group, therapist, trusted friends)

Important Notes
This module is trauma-informed but not trauma therapy. If your anger feels overwhelming, rooted in significant trauma, or too big to handle, please seek support from a trauma-informed therapist in addition to this work.
Progress is not linear. You will have good weeks and hard weeks. You'll slip into old patterns sometimes. This is normal and part of the learning process. What matters is that you keep showing up.
Anger work is ongoing. These four weeks will give you foundational tools and awareness, but working with anger skillfully is a lifelong practice. Be patient and compassionate with yourself.
Ready to Begin?
Healing your relationship with anger is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself and the people you love. When you learn to work with anger consciously, it transforms from something that controls you into a source of clarity, boundaries, empowerment, and authentic living.
Click below to begin Week 1, or explore each week individually.
This module is part of the Mindfulness-Based Recovery (MBR) workshop series offered by Rest & Recovery Foundation.