| Anger Management
“Holding on to anger is like
grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone
else; you are the one who gets burned.” —Buddha
The desire to release and externalize
the unpleasant, roiling, burning, sensations and self-righteous
thoughts that accompany anger is at times almost irresistible
for many people. When we feel endangered, slighted or disrespected
by another, many humans drop into a rather primitive and defensive
fight or flight mode. No one likes to feel taken advantage
of, no one likes to feel put down; however, when we respond
with equal intensity to an experience which truly threatens
our physical and/or psychological integrity and to one which,
albeit irritating, does not, we may have a problem managing
our anger.
Here are some questions to ask yourself
that may help you determine if you are having a problem managing
your anger:
- Do you find yourself “boiling
over” in response to ordinary irritations, like losing
your parking space?
- Do your loved ones or work colleagues
ever seem intimidated by or fearful of your anger?
- Do you
ever express your anger through physical aggression towards
another person?
- Has your anger ever led to problems
at work, in your relationships, or with the legal system?
- Do
you worry that your anger might be negatively impacting
your health?
How can therapy help you with
your anger:
- Learn the difference between
Assertiveness and Aggressiveness
- Learn to get your needs met and be heard more effectively
- Learn tools to help you identify and anticipate scenarios
that trigger anger
- Learn strategies to help you to cool off and self-soothe
before you respond
- Explore the underlying, historical hurts that may
contribute to and fuel current angry feelings in a safe
and non-judgmental environment
To read more about coping with
Anger please see the links below:
Controlling
Anger Before it Controls You
Mental Help
with Anger
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