Anger management therapy is based on the idea and belief that knowledge is power. Through therapy, you will aim to learn and understand your anger to recognize it in time to control it. The process of anger management involves identifying stressors, taking necessary steps to remain calm, and handling tense situations in a constructive manner.
With therapy, you will learn to decrease the heightened emotional and physiological arousal often associated with anger. Since it is improbable that you will be able to avoid all the people, things, and settings that incite anger, but you may acquire skills on how to control reactions and respond in a socially appropriate manner. Our therapists at Lifeworks can help manage your anger.
Anger management therapy aims to provide a clear and distinct set of strategies for recovery. Affected individuals are taught how to use those psychological signs as a road map to control their anger. Additionally, therapists work with people in therapy to identify anger responses that may actually be defense mechanisms for other concerns such as depression or anxiety.
Without control over one’s anger, undesired situations are created leading to harmful psychological and physical outcomes. Reducing and controlling anger can simultaneously reduce stress and lower the risk of serious health problems, such as high blood pressure. One goal of anger management therapy is to accurately tackle triggers, adjust the perception of situations, and develop positive ways in which to express anger and frustrations. Techniques that we use in anger management therapy include:
- Impulse control
- Self-awareness
- Meditation
- Frustration management (writing in an anger diary)
- Perception management
- Thought-stopping
- Relaxation strategies
Anger management therapy may be delivered in an individual or in group settings. Therapy is designed to address specific types of anger issues, including relationship, parenting, adolescent, and work-related anger or rage. We also accept those who have been court-ordered to attend an anger management therapy session as a result of a domestic or legal issue. Therapy is offered on a continuing basis. Many of our anger management therapies include homework assignments and exercises that strengthen the skills learned and allow you to practice them in real-life situations. Sometimes seeing something you have learned positively reinforces your belief in the process and leads to positive outcomes.
With one of the therapists at Lifeworks, you will explore the roots of your anger. Numerous different events can lead to anger, and two ways to identify them are:
- Internal events:
- perceived failures,
- injustices,
- or frustrations (like blocked goals)
- External events:
- loss of property or privileges,
- teasing,
- or humiliation
- Some signs that you may need anger management that we have identified are:
- Rubbing your face frequently
- Making fists
- Clenching your hands
- Shallow breathing
- Breathlessness
- Heart racing
- Sweaty palms
- Rocking back and forth
- Speaking loudly
- Cravings that calm you down:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Nicotine
- Sugar
- Comfort food
- Feeling as if you want to run away
- Depression
- Anxiety
If you believe that you are experiencing a few of these symptoms in combinations with emotional instability, then contact us today. Here at Lifeworks we serve the community of Carrollton, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and the surrounding cities. If you have any questions about anger management therapy or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.