Don't I Have the Right to Be Angry?: The Heart Program for Veterans and Others Who Want to Prevent Destructive Anger Paperback – October 26, 2013

A great read for post military service; USAF !

As an author and Psychologist who writes about anger for people whose anger is problematic but not destructive, I bought this book out of curiosity. I was not disappointed.In his book, Dr. Lipke clearly states that he is addressing anger “as a defense against other emotions”. This is anger as a secondary emotion. I have always viewed anger as a primary emotion which both has significance and stands on its own.Both views are correct.In a book that is easy to read and very informative, Dr. Lipke has broadened my understanding about a population that I knew about but was not all that familiar with.This is a book that you should buy now if you experience anger that is destructive, or know someone whose anger is destructive, for several reasons.First of all, the book can help you get a better understanding of the anger that may be controlling you and disrupting your life.Secondly, if you have considered getting professional help, this book might serve as an incentive to seek that help.Thirdly, once you have consumed this book and all it contains, you might want to consider loaning it to someone else whose anger is destructive.You could also loan the book to someone who just wants to learn more about anger or emotions in general because Chapter VI discusses The Expression of Emotion to Others, Appendix 1 has a useful list of emotions, Appendix 2 discusses Emotions and the Body, and Appendix 3 discusses Thinking and feeling about Forgiveness.Overall, I highly recommend this book and gave it 5 stars because it is directed toward and provides useful information to a specific population of people. If you are in this population, this is a book you should get.

Good book. Also to be used as a valuable resource when working with individuals with anger problems.

I found this to be a decent book and probably good for many vets, but I felt there was a good deal of oversimplification.

Well written and insightful. Highly suggested for veterans.

Dr. Lipke, brings a wealth of clinical experience as a leader in the VA treatment system and in the broader field of PTSD research and practice. "Don't I Have the Right To be Angry?" directly addresses what many to be the core aspect of veterans with combat PTSD, destructive anger. While the devastating effects anger has on relationships is well known, Dr. Lipke goes beyond conventional wisdom to identify the deeper issues. getting 'underneath' anger to understand the basic emotions that anger covers offers an opportunity to better understand the individual and thus find an alternative to withdrawing from the person or offering 'anger management' interventions that while helpful, fail to identify the true underlying feelings, often fear and sadness. As a clinical psychologist treating PTSD for over 20 years, "Don't I Have The Right To be Angry," should be an essential resource for all touched by someone with combat PTSD and, I believe, any form of PTSD or destructive anger.

As a psychologist who worked with combat veterans for 20 years, I think Dr. Lipke is right on target. Of course, this book has much to do with all anger, and not just anger among combat veterans. For that reason, anyone interested in further understanding the dynamics of anger should read this book. If everyone understood these principles, the world as we know it would be a better place.