ANGER MANAGEMENT

Acknowledging and facing your anger can be frightening due to possible consequences (for both parties in a relationship) and often people who express their anger describe the feeling of being ‘out of control’ and highly stressed. The anger takes over, its intensity compromising rational thought and provoking impulsive behaviours such as physical and verbal abuse. It is indeed a stressful business for all people involved, but anger and stress can be managed so that your relationship can move forward.

“Anger is never without a reason but seldom with a good one”

–Benjamin Franklin

“Anger is never without a reason but seldom with a good one”

–Benjamin Franklin

You can learn to control your stress response and reactions to anger with the help of a relationship counsellor. Anger is a normal, usually healthy, human emotion but if it has become destructive – affecting the quality of your life and your relationships – you may benefit from the guidance of a professional counsellor trained in anger and stress management. We offer confidentiality and understanding with no judgement and a listening ear.

EXPERIENCING ANGER

Anger, pain and depression are often experienced together which is stress-inducing to say the least. It is the psychic pain of depression that feeds anger but anger can also fuel depression. Anger can be a motivating force of change but can also lead to negative reactions or self-destruction. Basically, anger is a response to a situation in which you feel threatened and stressed. You feel the anger coursing through your body, your head and heart pounds, and you might want to lash out physically and/ or verbally at others or even yourself.

Anger provides the impulse to pass pain along to others (Example: You snap at everyone around you because your boss has told you off) and that does not serve anybody well. It is best to work through your anger and stress so you have a better chance at an enjoyable life and meaningful relationships.

COUNSELLING FOR ANGER AND STRESS

In therapy you will be guided to identify your anger and stress triggers in order to view them as a signal that something in your life needs your further attention. Anger is a secondary emotion that we are often more willing to show than a primary emotion (a painful feeling such as worthlessness). Primary emotions can make one feel vulnerable and out-of-control. Anger may seem to give you that control back but at what cost? The anger is really controlling you. This is stressful for you and the person/ people on the receiving end of your angry outbursts. Such stress leaves one feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious.

Together we can find the source and triggers of your anger and stress, and find an effective solution (including anger and stress management techniques) for managing your anger. This will help you have better control and understanding of yourself. It is what you do with your anger that can get you into trouble; however anger can also be safe, helpful and positive. Anger is a communication tool after all; it just needs to be navigated with respect to others and yourself for a hopeful and encouraging outcome. You can do it!

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