Harriet Lerner (b.1944) is an American clinical psychologist, author, and speaker known for her work on relationships, emotional intelligence, and feminist psychology. Her books have shaped modern perspectives on anger, intimacy, and personal growth.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lerner earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the City University of New York. She completed postdoctoral training at the Menninger Clinic, later working there as a staff psychologist for nearly three decades. Beyond books, she has contributed to psychology journals, podcasts, and speaking engagements, helping individuals navigate relationships.
Her most influential book, The Dance of Anger (1985,) became a New York Times bestseller, offering insights into women’s anger and relationship dynamics. Other notable works include The Dance of Intimacy (1989) on emotional closeness, The Dance of Connection (2001) on effective communication, and Why Won’t You Apologize? (2017) on the psychology of apologies.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Harriet Lerner
Anger is a tool for change when it challenges us to become more of an expert on the self and less of an expert on others. . . .If, however, we do not use our anger to define ourselves clearly in every important relationship we are in—and manage our feelings as they arise—no one else will assume this responsibility for us.
—Harriet Lerner
Topics: Anger
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