Why Anger Isn’t Bad—It’s Your Body’s Truth
Anger often gets a bad reputation. It’s seen as destructive, uncontrolled, or something to suppress in order to maintain harmony. Many of us have been taught from a young age that anger is "bad" or that expressing it makes us unkind or weak. But what if anger isn’t the problem? What if anger is actually your body’s way of speaking a vital truth, one that deserves to be heard?
In somatic counselling, we view emotions like anger not as enemies to be vanquished but as allies to be understood. When we listen to anger and respond to it with curiosity, it becomes a powerful tool for self-awareness, healing, and transformation.
The Truth About Anger
At its core, anger is a messenger. It arises when something in your environment or experience feels unjust, unsafe, or out of alignment with your values. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Pay attention – something here needs to change.”
Far from being inherently harmful, anger can be deeply protective. It can alert us to crossed boundaries, unmet needs, or unresolved pain. When we suppress or ignore our anger, we risk losing touch with these signals, leading to disconnection, resentment, and even physical health issues like chronic stress or tension.
Why Suppressing Anger Doesn’t Work
In a culture that often prioritises politeness and productivity over authenticity, many of us have learned to suppress anger. We push it down, plaster on a smile, and pretend everything is fine. But suppressed anger doesn’t disappear—it festers. Over time, it may show up as:
Explosive Outbursts: Bottling up anger can lead to sudden, overwhelming eruptions that feel out of proportion to the situation.
Chronic Stress or Anxiety: Suppressed anger keeps the nervous system in a state of heightened alertness, draining your energy.
Physical Ailments: Unexpressed anger can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or other somatic symptoms.
Emotional Numbness: Suppression cuts you off not just from anger but from other emotions, leaving you feeling disconnected or stuck.
Reframing Anger Through a Somatic Lens
Somatic counselling invites us to view anger not as something to fear but as something to explore. By approaching anger with openness and curiosity, we can begin to understand what it’s telling us and how to respond in ways that are constructive rather than destructive.
1. Anger as Energy
Anger is a form of energy that moves through the body. When we suppress it, that energy becomes trapped, creating tension or fatigue. Somatic practices help us safely move and release this energy, whether through breathwork, movement, or vocalisation.
2. Anger as a Boundary Signal
Anger often arises when a boundary has been crossed. It’s your body’s way of saying, “This isn’t okay.” Somatic counselling helps you identify where your boundaries are and how to enforce them with clarity and compassion.
3. Anger as a Call to Action
Anger can also be a motivator for change, both personal and collective. When we allow ourselves to feel anger fully, without judgment, it can fuel courage, creativity, and advocacy. It reminds us of our values and inspires us to take aligned action.
How to Work With Anger Somatically
If you’re ready to transform your relationship with anger, here are a few somatic practices to try:
Pause and Notice: When anger arises, pause and bring awareness to your body. Where do you feel the anger? Is it a tightness in your chest, heat in your face, or tension in your fists? Naming these sensations is the first step toward understanding them.
Breathe Into the Sensation: Instead of trying to push the anger away, breathe into the part of your body where it feels most intense. This helps you stay present with the emotion without becoming overwhelmed.
Move the Energy: Anger needs movement to be released. Try shaking your hands, stomping your feet, or even punching a pillow to let the energy flow through you in a healthy way.
Journal or Reflect: After releasing the physical tension, take time to reflect. What triggered your anger? What boundary, need, or value does it point to?
Anger as Empowerment
When we stop demonising anger and start listening to it, we reclaim a powerful part of ourselves. Anger, when understood and channelled, can help us advocate for our needs, protect our boundaries, and align with our truth. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s an expression of your body’s wisdom.
In somatic counselling, we work together to explore your anger safely and constructively, helping you uncover its messages and integrate its energy into your life. Instead of fearing or avoiding anger, you can learn to embrace it as a source of strength, clarity, and self-empowerment.
Are you ready to stop fighting your anger and start listening to it? If so Book a session and discover how somatics can help you harness the wisdom of your emotions.