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652 people sought anger management therapy help at Durham in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a anger management can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 85 therapists in North Carolina available for an online or in-person session.
Laura Harris

Hear from Laura Harris, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

View Laura Harris's profile

What is your go-to approach for anger management therapy?

My go to approach for anger management counseling are identification and recognition of triggers, relaxation techniques and effective communication skills. I prefer this approach because the people who benefit most need assistance controlling their reaction to triggers. By teaching effective ways to express their response to an anger provoking situation in an appropriate way-one can better get their needs met.

What tools do you teach in anger management therapy?

I teach the following tools in anger management therapy:

  • Frustration tolerance. This refers to the ability to manage emotional responses to setbacks
  • Conflict resolution. This refers to techniques intended to lessen disord and promote understanding through bargaining and other conciliatory methods
  • Awareness of triggers. This refers to knowledge of stimuli that elicits a response (usually negative)
  • Relaxation techniques. This refers to techniques to decrease stress and promote calm
  • Assertiveness skills. This refers to a respectful communication technique that promotes clear expression of feelings and needs
  • Stress management. This refers to techniques to decrease the accumulation and consequence of stressors

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in anger management therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in anger management counseling when they are achieving measurable objectives in route to their goal. Therapists generally rely on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time Limited) goals. When we can specifically identify what needs to occur to know that a goal is being met then we are better able to measure progress!

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement anger management therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in anger management counseling with practicing skills learned in counseling, ensuring that their therapeutic goals align with area of need, completing homework assignments, identifying and providing topics for session, identifying and disclosing meaningful events and if unsure simply asking.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anger management therapy?

To prepare for your first anger management counseling session, you can schedule your appointment at a time when you will not be interrupted. Prepare for your appointment by finishing paperwork in advance. Ensure that you have a stable connection and microphone and camera work. It is helpful to bring a notebook and pen for note taking. Plan to discuss your current issue, history and goals. Try to be as transparent when discussing intention and issues and ask questions on things you are unsure about.

Starting Anger management therapy

Can you get a therapist for anger issues?

Yes, there are therapists who help with anger via Anger management therapy. It’s a therapeutic process that an individual goes through to manage their anger and identify its triggers. They’re given clear instructions on how to improve their angry behavior as well as a safe space for opening up about their emotions.

How does anger management therapy work?

Once an individual’s triggers are identified, anger management therapy focuses on helping the individual process and respond to these emotions in a more positive and productive manner. The anger management therapist will provide coping strategies and ultimately help their client take back control of their anger.

What are the 5 keys to controlling anger?

The five keys to mastering anger include identifying triggers, pausing before reacting, calmly expressing emotions, discovering constructive outlets for frustration, and seeking professional assistance if necessary. Acquiring these skills through Anger management therapy empowers individuals to effectively manage and navigate their anger.

What is the best therapy for anger management?

The best therapy for anger management often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior related to anger.

Is anger management therapy conducted in person or online?

Anger management therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions do I need for anger management?

Often, Anger management therapy lasts between 4-6 weeks. However, it can last longer, dependent on the individual’s needs.

Need more help deciding?

Anger Management Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham, NC

While it’s normal to grow angry, even at the most mundane things, we must learn to express and manage that anger in a positive and beneficial way. Fortunately, anger management counseling helps you do just that. If you’re tired of getting angry and feeling out of control, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Durham for anger management counseling. Our skilled therapists and counselors are more than happy to help you reach a happier and healthier place by assisting you in your anger management journey.

What Is Anger Management?

Anger management is the process of learning how to cope with anger and handle negative feelings in an appropriate, productive manner. Oftentimes, there are specific stressors that trigger outbursts of anger, which you will work to identify during counseling. These triggers can be categorized into two main types: internal and external triggers. A few examples of internal triggers include self-perceived failures, frustrations, or pent-up tension. On the other hand, common examples of external triggers include…

  • Traffic
  • Slow customer service
  • Crowded public places
  • Bad working conditions
  • Disorganization
  • Loud or rude people

These triggers result in anger, which can present itself as aggression and disruptive tantrums. While it’s impossible to completely rid yourself of these triggers, the therapists at Durham can help you to get your emotions under control and react in a more beneficial way through anger management counseling.

How Does Anger Management Work?

Anger is not all in your head. When you experience anger, your body reacts in physical ways. Your heart races, you may sweat, and your blood pressure rises. It is easy to make these changes worse by acting in ways that cause further spikes in blood pressure and pulse. The key is to deescalate the situation and to find ways to remain calm and peaceful.

Anger management teaches you techniques for dealing with your anger in a healthier manner. Here’s a list of some helpful practices:

  1. Take a few deep breaths. Slow, deep breathing works to reduce tension. For optimal results, breathe from your stomach and get as much air as you can into your lungs before letting it back out.
  2. Focus on any physical sensations. Are you experiencing physical sensations as a result of your anger such as sweaty palms and a racing heartbeat? Tune into these feelings, as doing so can help to lessen the intensity of your negative emotions.
  3. Utilize your senses. Your senses have the ability to relax the mind. All you have to do is put them to work: try listening to some of your favorite music or envisioning yourself somewhere you love.
  4. Count to ten. No, this technique isn’t just used to calm down a crying child. Counting to ten slowly gives you something besides your anger to focus on and, in turn, calms those angry feelings.

These are some common practices for dealing with anger, but a Thriveworks counselor can help you identify techniques that prove specifically effective for you.

Scheduling Anger Management Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham

It’s often hard to admit you have a problem. But it’s even harder to live with the implications of unhealthy behaviors like uncontrollable anger. So, take that first step toward healing by admitting you could use some help and seek out treatment at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham. Our counselors and therapists are dedicated to assisting you in living a healthier life, and they can’t wait to start this journey with you.

To schedule an appointment, simply give us a call at (919) 629-3854. We offer evening and weekend sessions, provide same-week appointments, accept most major insurances, and–last but not least–look forward to hearing from you!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Durham therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Durham
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Thriveworks Durham reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Mindi Perry has extensive education, experience, techniques, etc. Mindi was my supervisor a few years ago. She would help me as we did Family Therapy and I was learning from her. I never left a session without being amazed. She cares deeply for the well-being of others, she does not judge, and she is the best listener I have ever met! She is truly authentic and genuine which is why you will feel completely at ease within moments of meeting her. She’s kind and funny but not at anyone’s expense. Simply put, she’s just a great human. You will be glad you have her in your corner.
Read more Mindi Perry has extensive education, experience, techniques, etc. Mindi was my supervisor a few years ago. She would help me as we did Family Therapy and I was learning from her. I never left a session without being amazed. She cares deeply for the well-being of others, she does not judge, and she is the best listener I have ever met! She is truly authentic and genuine which is why you will feel completely at ease within moments of meeting her. She’s kind and funny but not at anyone’s expense. Simply put, she’s just a great human. You will be glad you have her in your corner.
Durham Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I worked with Abena Bediako as a Victim Advocate when she was the contract CIT clinician at our local police department. She is very knowledgeable in every aspect of therapy and crisis intervention. She is tremendously receptive to your needs and ideas, and always provides great insights when problem solving. Abena is very easy to work with and always encouraged my creativity in developing community outreach projects that addressed the needs of special populations within our community. Abena is a wonderful person to work with and makes you comfortable in addressing problems by encouraging you to be part of the solution.
Read more I worked with Abena Bediako as a Victim Advocate when she was the contract CIT clinician at our local police department. She is very knowledgeable in every aspect of therapy and crisis intervention. She is tremendously receptive to your needs and ideas, and always provides great insights when problem solving. Abena is very easy to work with and always encouraged my creativity in developing community outreach projects that addressed the needs of special populations within our community. Abena is a wonderful person to work with and makes you comfortable in addressing problems by encouraging you to be part of the solution.
Durham Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Madina has been so helpful to me in working through anxiety! She’s very straightforward, and has allowed me to see patterns that have really impacted how I’m living in the world, and to start to challenge them. I can honestly say that I have changed more in the year I’ve been seeing her than in decades of previous therapy experiences. She is an exceptional mental health professional!
Read more Madina has been so helpful to me in working through anxiety! She’s very straightforward, and has allowed me to see patterns that have really impacted how I’m living in the world, and to start to challenge them. I can honestly say that I have changed more in the year I’ve been seeing her than in decades of previous therapy experiences. She is an exceptional mental health professional!
Durham Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Anthony has been the most helpful counselor I’ve met. I’d definitely refer friends and family to him.
Read more Anthony has been the most helpful counselor I’ve met. I’d definitely refer friends and family to him.
Durham Dec 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Lundy proved to be everything I had heard about her abilities to connect, relate and counsel individuals who had been broken during life's journey. She maintained her professionalism throughout our sessions even when I was a total wreck. She was a Godsend and I thank her for all she has done to help me.
Read more Dr. Lundy proved to be everything I had heard about her abilities to connect, relate and counsel individuals who had been broken during life's journey. She maintained her professionalism throughout our sessions even when I was a total wreck. She was a Godsend and I thank her for all she has done to help me.
Durham Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have had the pleasure of working alongside Giles Christman. Giles is an outstanding therapist, which his clients can attest to- but what I'd like to provide feedback on is what clients don't see. Giles goes above and beyond to identify resources for each client's need(s), including assisting the client in overcoming any barriers in accessing those resources. Giles exemplifies a holistic, compassionate therapist- I highly recommend him to assist you on your wellness journey.
Read more I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have had the pleasure of working alongside Giles Christman. Giles is an outstanding therapist, which his clients can attest to- but what I'd like to provide feedback on is what clients don't see. Giles goes above and beyond to identify resources for each client's need(s), including assisting the client in overcoming any barriers in accessing those resources. Giles exemplifies a holistic, compassionate therapist- I highly recommend him to assist you on your wellness journey.
Durham Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been speaking with Dulcie for a few months now and i have found her advice and coaching to be extremely helpful. Since I have started working with Dulcie i have found myself to be able to identify situations and reasonably work through them in a better manner. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of life guidance.
Read more I have been speaking with Dulcie for a few months now and i have found her advice and coaching to be extremely helpful. Since I have started working with Dulcie i have found myself to be able to identify situations and reasonably work through them in a better manner. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of life guidance.
Durham Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
"Dr. Dee" listened and helped me through what I felt was the most difficult time in my life...divorce. Her guidance and words of encouragement inspired me to continue to be strong and move forward. Thanks for much Dr. Dee!
Read more "Dr. Dee" listened and helped me through what I felt was the most difficult time in my life...divorce. Her guidance and words of encouragement inspired me to continue to be strong and move forward. Thanks for much Dr. Dee!
Durham Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Durham is located off Fayetteville Road, in the Sutton Station shopping center, next to Regional Pediatrics. We currently share a building with Nantucket Grill and Bela Trio Day Spa. Parking is located in front of the building and around the complex.

Phone number

(919) 642-4903

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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