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.
Anger is a natural, even beneficial emotion. That said, we must know how to express this anger properly. This does not equal punching the wall when we’re frustrated or shouting unkind words at other people sitting in traffic. Nor does it equal acting aggressively toward our significant others or lashing out at our friends. Instead, it’s explaining our frustrations calmly; it’s carefully considering why we’re upset in the first place; it’s accepting that things don’t always go our way.
Do you have trouble controlling your anger? Are you more likely to lash out than talk calmly about what has upset you? Consider working with an anger management counselor at Thriveworks Counseling in Newton, MA. They want to help you overcome this challenge and learn how to more effectively express your emotions. If this sounds like something you could find value in, schedule an appointment today.
Do I Need Anger Management Counseling?
Anger management is an approach to therapy, which is used to help individuals control their anger and express their emotions more effectively. Often, there are certain triggers that lead to one’s lashing out. Anger management counselors will help the client to identify these triggers, which commonly include…
- Crowded or busy places
- Loud or annoying people
- Heavy traffic
- Discontent at work
- Disorganization
When an angry individual is exposed to their triggers, they react accordingly. They might shout, act aggressively, or even throw a tantrum. A good example is an individual with road rage: he’s sick of sitting in standstill traffic, so he lays it on the horn and starts cursing out his window. Typically speaking, these individuals look back on their angry outbursts and feel shame. The good news is that they can also look forward—to a brighter future, of which an anger management counselor can lead them to.
How Does Anger Management Counseling Work?
The first step, of which we touched on above, is identifying what triggers one to lash out in anger. Once you and your counselor have worked together to identify these triggers, your anger management counselor can help you confront and better manage your reaction to the triggers. Here are a couple of practices that can help you find your calm when you feel that anger bubbling to the surface:
- Utilize your senses. Turn your attention away from whatever is fueling your anger, and focus on something else: something you can hear, see, or smell. Try putting on some relaxing music or watching a funny YouTube video that always makes you laugh.
- Practice deep-breathing. Another helpful technique is deep-breathing. It’s easy, give it a try: take a big deep breath in, filling your lungs with as much air as possible. Hold this air for a few seconds, and then slowly let it out. This will help you release any tension your body is harboring.
These examples are meant to give you a quick understanding of what an anger management counselor can teach you. They’ll guide you through mastering practices of the like, and ultimately seizing control of your life—your health, wellbeing, and happiness—again.
Start Anger Management Counseling at Thriveworks in Newton, MA Today
If you want to learn how to better control your anger and live a more relaxed life, consider working with an anger management counselor at Thriveworks in Newton. These professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help you on this journey. And they truly care about helping you find success. To book an appointment, contact us at (617) 992-2827. A scheduling specialist will assist you in scheduling a session and beginning your journey today. We offer evening and weekend sessions and accept most major insurances.