Anger & Anger Management Programs
Understanding Anger
Anger is a natural emotion that arises when we feel wronged or unfairly treated. It can serve as a healthy outlet for expressing negative feelings and even spur us toward problem-solving. However, when anger becomes overwhelming, it can lead to detrimental effects on both our physical and mental well-being. The surge in blood pressure and other physical responses to heightened anger can impede clear thinking and have long-term impacts on our health.
Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of Excessive Anger
Excessive anger is characterized by intense, prolonged, or inappropriate displays of anger that may disrupt personal relationships, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
The signs and symptoms of excessive anger may include:
Frequent Outbursts
Intense Physical Reaction
Difficulty Controlling Anger
Verbal Aggression
Physical Aggression
Chronic Resentment
Irritability and Hostility
Isolation
Substance Abuse
Rumination
Difficulty Forgiving
Impact on Relationships
Legal Issues
Physical Health Issues
Anger Management Treatment Programs
Anger management, within the realm of psychology, is a structured intervention designed to help individuals understand, manage, and express their anger in healthy and constructive ways. These programs are typically facilitated by mental health professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, who specialize in anger management.
The goals of an anger management program may include:
Awareness
Communication Skills
Cognitive Restructuring
Stress Management
Conflict Resolution
Relaxation Techniques
Problem-Solving Skills
Emotional Regulation
Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Preventing Future Incidents
While anger management concerns can often be addressed in therapy with one of our highly trained and experienced clinicians, a more structured anger management program is required for some clients. Our anger management program consists of 8-12 weeks of individual anger management counselling designed to address fundamental problems in affect regulation, communication styles, conflict resolution, emotional expression, self-soothing techniques, appropriate assertiveness training, and non-aggressive behavioural change. A letter of completion can be produced upon concluding the 8-12 week program if required.
*Please note that clients involved in legal matters and require treatment for this purpose must indicate this from the outset of treatment.
Treatment objectives and essential skill sets achieved in anger management programs may include:
Increased ability to verbally communicate, mediate, and resolve interpersonal problems
Increased affect regulation and appropriate emotional expression
Cognitive restructuring that promotes healthy affect regulation, decision-making, problem-solving skills, and behavioural change
Increased frustration tolerance
Decreased impulsivity and behavioural acting-out
Increased capacity for conflict resolution
Seeking Help & Treatment for Anger
Guidance from Professionals
If someone is struggling with excessive anger, seeking support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or anger management specialists, can be crucial in developing healthier coping strategies and managing anger in a more constructive way.
