Sequoia Mind and Body

Anger often gets a bad reputation. Many of us grow up believing it’s something to suppress, fear, or feel ashamed about. From a Somatic Experiencing perspective, however, anger isn’t inherently negative; it’s a powerful, life-affirming force. It motivates us to move forward, protect ourselves, and maintain our integrity. If we learn to honour and understand this energy, rather than pushing it away, we can tap into a wellspring of strength and resilience.

The Nature of Anger as Life Force

At its core, anger is rooted in our survival instincts. When faced with a threat or boundary violation, our bodies naturally prepare to fight back, to defend what matters. Instead of seeing anger as “bad,” Somatic Experiencing invites us to view it as vital fuel for self-protection and meaningful change. Without this force, we might feel helpless, stuck, or unable to assert our needs.

Dr. Peter A. Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing, writes in In an Unspoken Voice: “Healthy aggression is not about destroying; it is the energy we need to protect our boundaries, to stand up for ourselves, and to say ‘no.’” His work encourages us to see aggression as a positive, organising energy rather than a destructive impulse. In my practice, I encourage clients to “welcome anger with open arms and say, thank you for showing up today, you are needed.”

Enjoy this photo of me probably releasing some aggression in this precarious heel hook.

Working Directly With Aggression in Somatic Experiencing

In sessions, we don’t just talk about anger, we engage with it directly. This often feels creative and dynamic. We might make noise, roaring, shouting, or letting out assertive sounds, while I join you, fully present and supportive. Movement is another key element: pushing against a wall, squeezing a pillow, or creating pressure with your body can help you physically connect with this energy. If physical actions aren’t accessible or comfortable, we can do the entire process in your mind, visualising scenarios in which you stand firm and claim your space. It’s often surprising how vividly the body responds to an imagined scene.

Throughout our work, I carefully monitor your level of activation. We “pendulate” at the edges of this activation, gently moving toward the intensity of anger, then stepping back. Over time, this approach builds capacity, allowing you to inhabit your aggression without being overwhelmed. Instead of feeling guilty or frightened by your anger, you learn to hold it with curiosity, respect, and mastery.

Levine’s View on Healthy Aggression

Peter Levine’s works, including Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, emphasise that aggression becomes problematic mainly when it’s blocked, shamed, or misunderstood. Healthy aggression, however, is integral to our being, a life force that helps us respond effectively to challenges. By integrating healthy aggression, we learn to stand our ground, express ourselves authentically, and set boundaries that honour our needs.

Integrating Anger and Moving Forward

Reframing anger as a resource rather than an enemy can spark profound personal transformation. Somatic Experiencing teaches us that our bodies know how to work with these energies; we need only give ourselves permission. By welcoming anger and healthy aggression into the healing process, we reclaim lost parts of ourselves. Instead of stifling our anger, we acknowledge its presence and allow it to guide us toward more empowered ways of living.

Ultimately, this journey is about balance, authenticity, and strength. Anger is not a sign of moral failing or weakness, it’s a reminder that we are alive, capable of defending what matters, and ready to move forward with integrity.