Anger Management
Anger management is a therapeutic program for anger prevention and control. It consists of learning what causes your anger and finding healthy ways to express your feelings, without lashing out. Anger management is not about suppressing angry feelings, but learning how to productively use your emotions to convey your thoughts, needs, and feelings. Anger is a very normal emotion that we all feel. Once you learn how to express it appropriately, it should lessen the negative effects that anger has your life. You can learn anger management skills on your own by reading books or finding legitimate resources online, however, most people prefer to take anger management classes or work with a licensed therapist. For more information about anger management, click here.
Signs You May Need Anger Management
Constantly feeling that you have to hold in your anger
Persistent negative thinking and focusing on negative experiences
Constant feelings of irritation, impatience, and hostility
Frequent arguments with others that escalate frustrations
Physical violence, such as hitting your partner or children or starting fights
Threats of violence against people or property
Out-of-control or frightening behavior, such as breaking things or driving recklessly
Avoiding situations because of anxiety or depression about anger outbursts
Anger management classes or counseling
You can attend anger management classes or counseling either in a one on one or a group setting. Based on your needs, your counselor or program director will work with you to determine the setting, length of treatment, and number of sessions that are suggested.
Anger management counseling or classes will focus on learning coping skills that can replace angry outbursts. Counseling or classes should help teach you how to:
Manage situations that provoke anger
Identify potential situations that can set you off
Use coping skills
Recognize when you are using faulty thinking
Calm yourself down
Express yourself in a healthy, assertive way
Focus on problem solving skills
Effectively communicate