Anger Management

What is Anger?

Anger is a feeling of displeasure or hostility.  Anger is your body’s warning system telling you something is wrong.  It is a natural response to a threat but can be destructive when expressed inappropriately.  Anger has several components:
1) a physiological response,
2) a psychological response,
3) a cognitive or mental response.
Responses to anger may range from mild to severe (as seen in Intermittent Explosive Disorder).  Intermittent Explosive Disorder is characterized by explosive eruptions lasting 10-20 minutes, resulting in injury or destruction of property. We treat a wide spectrum of anger issues from mild to severe, including Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

How Does Anger Management Work?

In anger management you will learn various skills such as: 1) determining your anger level, 2) examining anger patterns, 3) aiming for healthy, constructive expressions of anger, 4) learning helpful tips for anger management, 5) learning techniques for calming down, 6) dealing with another person’s anger, and 7) how to remember to use these skills in the future.

You will also learn how to identify other feelings and communicate with others in an assertive, non-threatening manner.

Who Benefits?

Children, teens, adults, and couples can learn anger management skills.  If others complain about or are afraid of your angry reactions, if you physically or mentally harm another, or if anger affects your relationships negatively, anger management can be beneficial.  Anger management may help you if you keep your anger pent up or want skills on how to communicate anger to others effectively.

Who Practices?

Mental health therapists are licensed and trained in providing anger management in individual therapy, in couples therapy, and in family therapy.  Nurse Practitioners, are available for medication evaluations for more severe cases such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

How Long Does it Take?

If you utilize the resources and ideas given in the first few sessions, you will often see an immediate change in behavior.  Depending on the severity of the anger management issue you may need only 3 sessions or a few months of treatment.  Often abuse issues and childhood issues may require more sessions.  Each mental health therapist is committed to formulating a plan that fits your particular needs.  The goal is to benefit you and those around you.  Your health may improve, you’ll feel better about yourself, and relationships may heal.

Anger Management

Anger is a feeling of displeasure or hostility. Anger is your body’s warning system telling you something is wrong.