Dr. Christian Conte is Moving Inmates Beyond Their Anger
Can anger be productive? Is it possible that the moments where we feel the least in control may offer us the most opportunities for growth?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Christian Conte, author and licensed counselor. He’s spent over 20 years working in the jail and prison system, helping inmates to work through their anger and move towards transforming their lives. Dr. Conte shares the magic of the yield theory and practical approaches we can all take to make genuine connections with the people we meet. Listen in as we explore it all— guided by the concepts in his latest book, Walking Through Anger.
Episode Timeline:
[00:07] Intro
[00:58] Meet Dr. Christian Conte
[03:00] The value of authenticity
[05:46] Understanding the type of person he wanted to be
[07:19] What shaped Dr. Conte
[11:01] Does anger have value?
[13:52] What could your anger teach you?
[15:51] Wiping away judgment and working in Max security prisons.
[18:46] How is yield theory affecting change?
[20:24] How does yield theory work to shift anger
[24:12] Humble listening and creating connections with wonder
[27:56] How our energy impacts others
[29:21] Why down to earth, practical strategies work
[30:58] Compassion and the importance of consequences
[32:54] Dr. Christian Conte's advice for you
[38:12] We are the source and solution to our problems
[39:03] Outro
Resources Mentioned:
Standout Quotes:
“ I don't need to put on a facade for people. It doesn't matter what I look like, [what] matters [is] what I'm saying. If what I'm saying doesn't resonate with you- throw it away. If it does, let's move forward with it.“ - Dr. Christian Conte [32:09]
“When I have the humility, to not only remove some of my bias out of the way and let myself be utterly surprised by people, that also creates the sweetness of the connection...I'm in this constant state of delight. Of wonder.” -Traci Ruble [24:41]
"What approaching someone with genuineness and humility does is it circumvents. It gets around the fight or flight response." - Dr. Conte [26:48]
"When we can have the compassion to look beyond defining ourselves by our actions and see that we're more than that. Now, we can create new meaning from this moment forward - Dr. Conte [38:44]
Connect:
Find | Sidewalk Talk
At sidewalk-talk.org
On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg
On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg
Find | Traci Ruble
At Traciruble.com
On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT
On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT
On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT
Find | Dr. Christian Conte
At drchristianconte.com
On Instagram: @Drchristianconte
On Twitter: @Dr.Conte
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