December 19, 2024

Trauma & Reactivity with Arpita Gupta-DePalma, MD: Episode 145

33 minutes

Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: From Pissed Off to Poised: Understanding Anger and Trauma with Dr. Arpita Gupta de Palma

Episode Summary:
Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Arpita Gupta de Palma, a pediatrician, trauma-informed physician coach, and podcaster. Dr. Arpita first joined us in 2022 to discuss anger (Episode 37), and now she’s back to dive even deeper into the topic. In this episode, we explore how trauma influences anger responses, why anger can act as an alert system, and how understanding these connections can lead to healthier emotional regulation.

Dr. Arpita also shares insights into her new podcast, From Pissed Off to Poised, which combines practical tools for anger and time management. This conversation is packed with relatable examples, actionable strategies, and a generous dose of grace for anyone who struggles with frustration, anger, or the fast pace of life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How trauma—past or generational—affects anger and emotional responses.

Why anger is an alert system signaling core value violations or perceived threats.

The biological and psychological mechanisms behind anger, including the role of the heart-brain connection.

Strategies to pause and identify underlying emotions behind anger (e.g., disappointment, fear, or frustration).

How anger develops in childhood and how early experiences shape adult reactions.

The impact of trauma on leadership and how curiosity can enhance interpersonal dynamics.

Key Highlights:

Recognizing Trauma as Physicians: Training in medical school, residency, and beyond can carry trauma that shapes how we respond to stress and anger in professional and personal settings.

Understanding Anger’s Evolutionary Role: Our brain’s survival mechanisms can confuse emotional threats with physical ones, leading to reactive anger.

Generational Trauma: Trauma can be passed down through generations, influencing our responses in ways we might not consciously understand.

Transforming Anger: Identifying and naming underlying emotions helps reduce the intensity of anger and shift to more productive reactions.

Dr. Arpita Gupta de Palma’s Podcast:
From Pissed Off to Poised is a limited-series podcast that explores anger, trauma, and time management. Packed with actionable tips and insights, it’s perfect for anyone looking to better understand their emotions and find practical solutions for managing life’s pressures.

Connect with Dr. Arpita:

Website: www.thoughtworkmd.com

Social Media: @thoughtworkmd

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr. Arpita’s Anger and Time Management Courses (thoughtworkmd.com)

HeartMath tools for heart-brain coherence

Book recommendation: Transforming Anger by HeartMath

Join Us for Free Training:
Don’t miss our free video training, How to Crush Physician Burnout for Good Without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or Sucking It Up in Silence. Scroll down in the show notes for the link and check it out today!

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
If this episode resonated with you, let us know! Leave a review, give us five stars, and share your thoughts. Your feedback helps more doctors discover the podcast and keeps our ripple effect growing.

Closing Thoughts:
As Dr. Arpita reminds us, give yourself grace and props for recognizing the need to change how you show up. Anger is a universal experience, and addressing it with curiosity and compassion is the first step toward meaningful transformation.

Remember: You are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters.

Until next time!

Resources:

Book a free Physician Wellness Triage session with a physician coach

Download our Free Video: How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good)

Arpita’s Website

From Pissed Off to Poised Podcast

Transforming Your Anger Course

HeartMath

...more

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By Drs. Cazier, Dinsmore and Morrison

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