Explosive Temper Case Study

By Edward J. Schicatano

Tammy S. who is typically a friendly, mild-mannered person, overreacts and exhibits a vicious temper when something goes wrong. With just a brief delving into her childhood, it becomes clear that she has issues with an overbearing, almost un-caring mother. Thus, a re-parenting strategy was used first to deal with this issue. Second, the client was taught how to anchor a resourceful state (calm response instead of angry reaction) to be able to use during these negative situations.

When asked to describe her parents, Tammy S. indicated a lack of attachment to her mom, and used many kinesthetic words to express how her mother made her feel and the lack of warmth when mom interacted with her. I maintained strong rapport with her easily by using a lot of kinesthetic language while doing basic mirroring and matching.

1. Re-parenting:

1) Go back and consider at least one instance when your mother was unfair to you, and clearly made a bad decision. Try to get a firm handle on one specific experience that stands out for you. Notice your body sensations then and now as you re-experience this situation.
2) With this thought in your mind, how does it make you feel now? ANCHOR 1 (touch forearm)
3) A lot has happened since then. You have had success and have been very resourceful at least several times since those days. Think of a resource you have (I name a few examples) now that your mom definitely could have used then.
5) Bring back this resource that you have (Fire ANCHOR 2) – and give it to your mom (Fire ANCHOR 1) to help her be a better parent for you.
4) Remember a specific time when you were full and flowing with this wonderful resource. Feel it as being part of you again. ANCHOR 2
6) See, hear and feel the situation with your mom as she uses this resource.
7) How was your mom’s behavior different as you just re-experienced it?

2. Anchoring a resourceful state:

1) Recall a situation where you were very resourceful. Specifically, a time when you remained calm in the face of a tense situation.
2) When you fully re-experience the situation – pictured it, felt it, and heard it, and it reaches a peak intensity, I want you to make a signal with your hand. (OK sign, peace sign, whatever). (ANCHOR)
3) Repeat steps 1 and 2
4) Test: Think about a recent situation that made you angry. Re-live it. See, feel and hear it.
5) Fire ANCHOR.
6) Is there any difference in your response to the situation?
7) Test: I check for signs that Tammy is less tense. Posturing should look comfortable, and breathing should be slow.

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