TOTALLY GEEKED!

• Recognizing the things/situations that trigger his anger.

• Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge distorted thinking.

• Learning tolerance and acceptance.

• Learning skills to release hatred (it only fuels rage) and to be more empathic.

Flickr The Commons: Lanpurnas Dospuntozero

4.  Squidward Quincy Tentacles

Squidward Quincy Tentacles has yet to see his "The Best Day Ever". In fact, with his grumpy, short tempered and selfish personality, he can fail to even see beyond the reflection in the mirror. This arrogant, prideful octopus/squid character frequently considers himself of high status. Quick to blame others for his shortcomings, Squidward has a difficult time accepting any responsibility. In fact, if he’s not blaming people, he’s insulting them. One of his catch phrases is, "If I had a dollar for every brain you don’t have, I'd have one dollar." Squidward spends a lot of time plotting against SpongeBob. His plans often backfire leaving him facing the consequences of his actions.

Squidward's counseling goals would include:

• Accepting responsibility for actions by exploring rationalization and justification

• Learning to appreciate and accept others

• Exploring how feelings of superiority can lead to being isolated and lonely

• Creating and maintaining healthy relationships

Flickr The Commons: Sam Howzit

3. Donald Duck

“Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!” Where do we start? Donald’s story is a dichotomy of tails, “Aw, phooey!” I mean tales. On one wing, he’s kind, caring and loyal and on the other he’s easily frazzled and flies into fits of rage.  Donald is most notably known for his uncontrollable temper tantrums. It doesn’t take much to blow this little duck’s top. Send Huey, Dewey and Louie to visit and you’ll find Donald struggling to maintain his cool; despite his love for his nephews. Donald’s reactions are so over the top that it’s hard not to fall in love with this fowl mouthed angry bird! Donald shows us that there’s a struggle within us to do the right thing no matter how hard that maybe.Donald’s mood swings from one extreme to the other. His anger often wreaks havoc on his life, particularly his love life with Miss Daisy.

Things Donald could benefit from in therapy include:

• Filtering his reactions

• Working through his emotions of jealousy, frustration and anger (at times rage)

• Finding healthy outlets to cool his feathers

• Exploring how his anger hurts the ones he loves most

Flickr The Commons: Arthur Caranta

2. Tasmanian Devil (aka Taz)

This ill-tempered ferocious little devil is notoriously known for his lack of patience and short fuse. Frequently spinning out of control, he is very destructive and rarely communicates. Taz sets the bar high in illustrating how anger can be a destructive force of nature.

Things Taz could benefit from in therapy…

• Understanding anger's effect on the body

• Learning how to communicate and express his feelings

• Self-monitoring skills to exam patterns of angry behaviors

• Finding alternative ways to cope with anger rather than eating

• Practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques

Flickr The Commons: Javi M

1. The Incredible Hulk

Making a “Smash” in at number one is “The Incredible Hulk”. He is an interesting character who shows us that not all anger is bad. In fact, anger can be a driving force or catapult for good. On flip side, the Hulk is a great example of how anger can transform us into something unbecoming. David Banner’s hurtful past was instrumental in making him into the angry force that many of us grew up watching… “The Hulk”. To give him credit, he often verbalizes a warning to his victims, if only they would listen to him when he says, "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry!" One thing that stands out about the Hulk is that he shows us how the beast within us can be tamed.

Things the Hulk could benefit from in therapy…

• Exploring suppressed and hurtful past experiences

• Learning the events and situations that trigger anger

• Exploring non-aggressive ways to cope with feelings

• Allowing himself to feel loved and cared for

• Exploring and learning ways to reduce impulse control

And there you have it, the top 5 cartoon characters that could use some techniques to help them control their anger. From blasting varmits to smashing things, each of these characters highlight different ways that anger can manifest itself in our lives and relationships.

That’s all folks!

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/teen-angst/201501/top-five-angry-cartoon-characters