Shame and Anger: The Criticism Connection

by Brock Hansen, LCSW

Shame and Anger: The Criticism Connection examines our powerful reactions to receiving criticism and their link to the innate emotions of shame and anger. Evolved for survival in primitive circumstances but still present in our minds and bodies, these sometimes overwhelming reactions do not always serve us well in civilized situations.

Criticism is a universal human experience handled well by many people but devastating and toxic to some. Extreme reactions to real or perceived criticism can lead to serious psychological illnesses such as depression, addiction and eating disorders. This book gives the reader an understanding of the evolutionary function of shame and anger and the destructive ways in which they can manifest themselves in criticism situations.

To help with this problem, the author describes techniques as old as yoga and as new as neurofeedback for quieting powerful emotions and becoming more confident in the face of criticism. These techniques can be used by adults and taught to children to help avoid many of the painful and destructive emotional experiences that shape our self image and often set the stage for depression and other emotional disorders. He also suggests effective methods for becoming a better spouse, parent, supervisor or friend by delivering criticism to those we care about without shaming or triggering negative responses.