Our therapists offer anger management therapy in Dover, DE

It’s only 9 a.m. and Susan has already had enough. Her husband left the kitchen drawers open again, and she ran into it, spilling her coffee everywhere. The interstate traffic was awful, and a car cut her off without even using his blinker. She let him go with a few heated punches on her car horn. Now she’s running through the parking lot trying to catch a meeting she’s already late to. She’s hoping to make a quick pitstop at her desk when her assistant comes up and asks if she could sign something for her, as if Susan has the time for that this morning. Doesn’t she know how late Susan is? She feels the white-hot anger wash over her, stronger than deep breaths can manage. When she opens her mouth for a fiery retort, it comes out as a yell.

Undoubtedly, there were many frustrating experiences in Susan’s morning, and everyone has bad days. But even in this fictional example, there were probably better ways to deal with the stress. Susan even tried some deep breathing. But she, like many other people, found controlling her anger difficult. Rightfully so! It’s not easy to staunch the flow of fury once it’s started. But it is possible. The counselors at Thriveworks Dover can help you identify the root causes of anger and successfully control it.

What’s the Deal with Anger?

Anger is an innate part of the human psyche. We all experience it, and it can be healthy when properly managed. It’s when it spirals out of control that it can be destructive both to you and the people around you.

Anger attacks not only thoughts and emotions, but the body as well. The physical affects of long-term anger can be devastating. Some of these effects include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Liver and kidney damage
• High cholesterol
• Increased risk of coronary artery disease
• Increased risk of a heart attack

These physical effects of anger often catch people by surprise. If anger is an emotion, how can it affect your body? The answer lies in hormone activity. Anger activates your “flight or fight” response which then releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In a dangerous situation, these hormones can save your life. But long-term, they begin to wear on your body.

Our thoughts and emotions, on the other hand, can be negatively affected by anger in the short-term as well as the long-term. Anger increases your risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It strains relationships of all sorts and can impact your job and social life.

These effects don’t have to be permanent though. As difficult as it can be, anger is controllable. Thriveworks Dover is here to help you navigate the complicated process of anger management.

We want to stress that struggling with anger is not indicative of your worth as a human being. You aren’t a “bad” person, nor do you have low willpower because you struggle to control anger. It just means you might need a few more coping mechanisms. That is what Thriveworks Dover is here to give.

Do I Really Need Anger Management?

Anyone, at any stage of their life, can have problems controlling their anger. We’ve seen all kinds of living situations, occupations, and ages come in for anger management counseling. There’s never a wrong reason or one that isn’t good enough. If you are unhappy with where you are at in life, talking to a professional counselor can be of great help.

Thriveworks Dover understands how much courage it takes to reach out and ask for help. If you are hesitant, look for these signs:

• People are avoiding you
• You’ve lost relationships
• People are afraid of talking with you
• Your health is suffering
• You are feeling depressed and/or anxious
• You feel out of control when angry
• You say and do things that you regret later

Anger will not discriminate when and how it shows up. But you are stronger than your emotions, and with a little guidance, you can be in control again.

What does Anger Management Counseling look like?

Thriveworks Dover always keeps the focus on you. We want to meet your goals and address your hesitancies. Our mission at Thriveworks is to walk with you to where you want to be and offer some tools along the way. In an anger management counseling session, we may learn:

• Strategies for relaxation
• How to alter how you think
• How to change your surroundings
• Different and more efficient communication
• Problem solving current issues
• Ways to repair and strengthen relationships

You are not stuck dealing with this anger forever. Many times, one or two coping mechanisms is all you need to stay on track.

Thriveworks Dover strives to create a space that is judgment-free for everyone to come practice the strategies that will help them live the life they’ve always dreamed of. We are excited to begin your journey with you!