When it feels like Anxiety, but it's actually ANGER w/ Dr. Sarah Michaud

Aug 15, 2025

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Anger can be a hidden root cause of Anxiety. sometimes suppressed anger comes out as anxiety especially when you've been conditioned to believe that anger is unacceptable. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Anger and anxiety are often interconnected, with unprocessed anger manifesting as anxiety. In this conversation, Emma McAdam and Dr. Sarah Michaud explore the intricate relationship between anger and anxiety, sharing personal experiences and insights from their professional backgrounds. They discuss how unprocessed anger can manifest as anxiety and depression, the importance of recognizing hidden anger, and the body's response to these emotions. The conversation also delves into practical tools for processing anger, including writing exercises and the significance of compassion in managing feelings of resentment. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for emotional awareness and the benefits of confronting and understanding one's feelings.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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