Ep 08: Understanding Anger as an Alert System with Dr. Kemia Sarraf

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Kemia Sarraf, whose insights have deeply shaped my understanding of the impact of trauma and its ripple effects on individuals and society. Together, we dive into the intricate relationship between our anger and past trauma, exploring how these emotions can serve as powerful indicators of unresolved scenarios in our lives.

Dr. Sarraf, a trauma-responsive physician and coach, sheds light on how anger isn't just an emotional outburst but rather it can be a signal that there’s more going on beneath the surface. She invites us to see our emotions as forms of energy—tools that can drive meaningful change if harnessed wisely, but also potential sources of harm if left unchecked.

We also revisit the stress → trauma continuum, examining how anger manifests in those who have experienced trauma, a reality that touches most adults, often without their conscious awareness. This conversation encourages us to reflect on the moments we feel angry over seemingly minor activators, revealing how they might actually tap into deeper, past experiences that evoke feelings of threat. Join us for an enlightening discussion that challenges how we view and manage our emotions in today’s episode.

“Trauma is not a flaw or a weakness. It is a highly effective tool of safety and survival. Trauma is also not an event. Trauma is the body's protective response to an event—or a series of events—that it perceives as potentially dangerous.” - Resmaa Menakem

About Dr. Kemia Sarraf

Dr. Kemia Sarraf earned her Medical Degree and Master of Public Health from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked in patient care, public health, nonprofit leadership, and trauma-mitigation. In 2016, she founded Lodestar, focusing on trauma-responsive coaching for healthcare professionals facing burnout and vicarious trauma. Her innovative coaching methods have been adopted across various industries to foster trauma responsive cultures and she is recognized for her engaging speaking style and impactful storytelling.

What You'll Learn:

• How to view emotions as data points, with energy and pleasantness guiding how we interpret and respond.
• Distinguishing healthy anger from anger rooted in unresolved trauma—and how to navigate both.
• Embracing the shared journey of recognizing anger as a potential trauma response, and learning to heal through awareness.
• Tuning into the physical sensations in your body as the first sign that you're being activated.

Featured:

• Learn more about Lodestar Consulting and Executive Coaching with Dr. Kemia Sarraf
• Utilize The Feelings Grid from the Mood Meter App
• Learn more about therapist and trauma specialist, Dr. Resmaa Menakem
• Learn more about trauma and addiction specialist, Dr. Gabor Maté
• Transforming Your Anger From Reaction to Response Online Self Study Course with Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma Learn more about Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma's programs with Thought Work, MD, including 1-to-1 coaching for individuals, group coaching cohorts for organizations, and her online self-study courses HERE.

Join my exclusive hybrid coaching cohort starting January 2025 with both group and 1:1 sessions.