THE "SHUT UPI" TECHNIQUE FOR RELEASING INHIBITED ANGER

Abstract

Since it is known to be especially effective in facilitating catharsis of latent aggression, psychodrama is sometimes unfairly stigmatized as overemphasizing this element in psychotherapy. Indeed, the simplicity of the idea of mere ventilation .of anger does seduce certain therapists into universalizing the scheme as a near total approach to treatment. While abreaction of anger may provide immediate relief, it does not in itself change the intrapsychic dynamics which generate irrational anger. Non-selective stress on the discharge of anger in therapy may even discourage the development of reasonable controls or foster a spurious anger to please the therapist. It may also lend support to paranoid defenses and discourage self-understanding by externalizing blame. Notwithstanding these cautions there are times when it is clear that a patient is in fact over-inhibiting the experience of hostile emotion and that his dread of these latent urges generates symptoms. Angerfacilitating techniques such as the one about to be described would seem justified only when the therapist expects the emergence of anger to relieve rather than frighten the patient and when the experience may be utilized to expand insight.