Julie Christiansen has an extensive background in mental health counselling, public speaking that spans almost 30 years. She has authored fifteen books including The Rise of Rage. Julie's personal mission is to leverage people and organizations into radical, positive, lasting change. She fulfills this purpose with passion as a keynote speaker, podcaster, psychotherapist, and executive coach.
Julie A. Christiansen, Speaker, Author, Registered Psychotherapist, Coach
Julie, your work on anger, conflict resolution, and mental health has helped so many. Could you share a bit about a pivotal moment that led you to focus on these areas?
I’d be glad to! For me, the journey began with a personal experience that truly changed my perspective on anger and conflict. I was once an individual who either suppressed anger or let it build up until it exploded, which is a path many people unknowingly take. My turning point came after a very intense moment of self-reflection during a particularly pivotal time in my career. I realized that anger is a deeply misunderstood emotion, one that can be harnessed for personal growth and positive change if managed with intention. From then on, I committed to understanding anger as a tool for empowerment rather than a destructive force—and that’s been the foundation of my work and programs, like Anger Solutions.
With the complexities surrounding anger and conflict, are there any misconceptions about anger you encounter frequently? How do you address them?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that anger is inherently “bad” or something we must suppress or ignore. Many people view anger as a loss of control or as a sign of weakness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, anger is an emotion, and like any other emotion, it has its place. Anger is described as bad or dangerous, when in fact, anger is a signal that something is wrong and needs addressing; it’s about what we do with that anger that matters. Through the Anger Solutions program, I help clients reframe anger as a powerful catalyst for change. We look at ways to harness it constructively, focusing on choice-based approaches that are productive rather than destructive.
Tell us more about Anger Solutions. What makes it unique, and how does it serve those struggling with anger and conflict in their lives?
Anger Solutions is all about providing a structured yet flexible framework to manage and resolve anger healthily. What makes it unique is that it doesn’t just teach people to “control” anger; it guides them to understand its roots, triggers, and consequences. We understand that anger is a symptom of a problem; therefore, we teach people effective strategies for solving problems with the expectation that once the problem is solved, the emotion it caused will resolve itself. Anger Solutions is rooted in psychological frameworks like Choice Theory and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), yet it’s also highly practical, giving clients tools they can apply immediately. We use a four-layered approach to help people at all levels, whether they’re individuals seeking personal growth, mental health professionals needing tools, or organizations looking to improve workplace harmony. Clients often experience lasting change because the program encourages them to see anger as a tool they control—not something that controls them.
Your approach to emotional mastery goes beyond conventional anger management. How does Anger Solutions differ from traditional methods, and why do you believe this approach leads to more lasting change for your clients?
The Anger Solutions method is about transforming anger at its roots, rather than simply managing it at the surface level. Traditional anger management often focuses on suppression or containment—teaching people to bottle up their feelings, which doesn’t get to the “why” behind the anger. With Anger Solutions, we dig deep into understanding the sources and drivers of these emotions. I use a practical, evidence-based, multimodal approach that allows clients to connect with their triggers and beliefs, examine them, and ultimately release the anger. This approach, grounded in Choice Theory and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, helps people harness anger constructively, making real, sustainable change possible. My clients often tell me that for the first time, they feel truly in control of their emotions rather than being controlled by them, and that’s where the lasting impact comes from.
Career transitions often bring heightened stress and emotional upheaval. How do you help clients manage these intense feelings and stay centered as they make significant life shifts?
Career transitions are life shifts that can shake up our entire sense of self. It’s normal to feel anxiety, fear, or even a sense of loss during these times, but it’s important to channel these emotions in a way that helps rather than hinders progress. With my coaching clients, I emphasize the importance of aligning their career choices with their core values and deeper purpose. We use practical strategies, many which are derived from Anger Solutions to help them assess their current situations—so they can respond, rather than react, to each new challenge. This gives them a framework to process their emotions in real-time, stay grounded, make informed decisions, and take courageous steps forward, even in the face of uncertainty.
Relationships are at the heart of much of our emotional experiences. What are some key strategies you use in coaching to help clients strengthen and deepen their relationships, even during times of conflict or tension?
Relationships are central to who we are, and they can be the source of both profound joy and deep frustration. When working with clients on relationship dynamics, I focus on two core areas: self-awareness and effective communication. It’s crucial for them to understand their own emotional triggers and patterns. We work on cultivating patience, empathy, and the ability to pause before reacting, which helps reduce unnecessary conflict. I also teach clear, assertive communication so that clients can express their needs without aggression or defensiveness. My goal is to help them build relationships that are resilient, respectful, and mutually enriching, even when challenges arise, because every problem is at its heart, a relationship problem.
Can you share a bit about the unique coaching model you use to guide clients toward achieving radical positive change? How do elements like self-awareness and emotional regulation play into this transformation?
My coaching model is built on the principle of “radical positive lasting change,” which means that clients aren’t just making incremental adjustments—they’re experiencing transformative growth. Self-awareness is the foundation. Before any lasting change can happen, clients need to understand who they are, what they value, and what they want out of life. This awareness gives them clarity and direction, which leads to a sense of purpose. Developing emotional regulation comes next, enabling them to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs with composure and grace. I guide clients through techniques to manage their reactions, understand their triggers, increase their emotional resiliency, and use their emotions as a powerful resource rather than a hindrance. This combination of self-awareness and emotional regulation empowers clients to live more authentically and achieve their goals in a way that’s aligned with their true selves. We apply this practice to whatever context presents itself in the client’s life.
Your best-selling book The Rise of Rage takes a comprehensive look at anger. What do you hope readers gain from it, and how does it reflect your philosophy on emotional mastery?
The Rise of Rage is designed to change the way people see and experience anger. I hope readers realize that anger isn’t just an obstacle or inconvenience; it’s a dynamic force that can be transformed into constructive action. The book offers practical steps and insights drawn from a multimodal perspective, blending concepts a variety of psychological frameworks, so readers learn to harness their anger instead of feeling dominated by it. My philosophy is that mastery over any emotion, especially something as intense as anger, leads to greater freedom and resilience. This book is about empowering readers to live more intentionally and with greater emotional clarity, and to foster deeper connections and healthier relationships overall.
As someone with such a rich background in mental health, conflict resolution, and anger management, what advice do you have for those looking to make an impact in this field?
First, know that this work is as much about personal growth as it is about helping others. Staying connected to your own journey, recognizing your strengths, and constantly seeking knowledge is critical. This field demands both empathy and boundaries—you’re helping people navigate some of the most challenging parts of their lives. Secondly, invest in resilience. The work can be emotionally taxing, so have a support network and practice self-care. Finally, remember that you’re here to guide, not to “fix” others. The goal is to empower people with tools to heal themselves, so approach each interaction with respect for their autonomy and growth.
Lastly, what’s next for you and Leverage U? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Yes! Right now, I’m focused building partnerships to bring Anger Solutions into more workplaces, especially in correctional, mental health, and law enforcement sectors, and expanding into academia. My goal is to bring this work to environments where people face unique stressors and where anger resolution can have a transformative impact. Additionally, I’m thrilled about developing new resources for leaders, especially in remediating toxic workplaces and executive coaching. This next phase of our growth is all about amplifying the message and delivering tools to empower individuals and organizations across diverse settings.
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