In the early 1970's psychologists were
really excited by the concept of 'venting' - ranting and raving and getting it
all off your chest…
Until they discovered that this strategy
was actually pretty destructive.
The 'ranter' could easily become addicted
to the process - the high and adrenalin surge that often came from yelling -
without actually creating any change in behavior…
Except perhaps for the contact-avoidance
created in the vented upon!
This is very different from 'directed
catharsis especially when followed by cognitive strategies of change.' read more
DANCE WITH IT! EXPERIENTIAL APPS
An opportunity to
experiment with some fun ideas…
Yes, you
can release that tension in a non-destructive manner!
Check out these possibilities:
Go
outside and yell at the trees, the grass, the sky - they can take it without
any problem. Or get in your parked car
and go to it.
If you
can't leave your indoor space, grab a pillow, hold it up to your mouth and howl
away to your hearts content…
And
then, once you've released that tension, look at what you were so jacked up
about.
Does it still seem worthy of
rage?
Imagine
a dialog with whoever made you feel that way.
Tell them how you feel.
Now
trade imaginary places and get into their shoes…
What
do you discover?
