Many people struggle with anger. It may be a temporary struggle, or else it could be ongoing. Either way, anger management therapy is a realistic, proven approach to tackling an anger issue. Letting anger stay out of control is like failing to heal an open sore. Many different approaches to anger management therapy exist. That means there is an approach that will work for you and your unique needs, no matter where you’re coming from.
Learning how to control and manage your anger can go a long way toward improving the quality of your life and relationships. Learn more about mental health and substance abuse treatment near you by calling Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485.
What Is Anger Management?
Anger management is an approach to helping people healthily deal with anger and the complex emotions that accompany it. Anger on its own is not considered a diagnosable mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. Still, when anger begins to control a person’s life, treating it through a formal process like anger management therapy is the best way to go.
Anger management therapy relies on a number of core techniques. Thus, no matter the exact form of therapy you receive, you can expect to encounter some or all of the following methods:
- Identifying triggers and responses
- Learning diffusion strategies
- Changing thought patterns
Identifying Triggers and Responses
One of the biggest elements of anger management is helping people identify what triggers their anger and what their common responses to feeling anger are. This understanding is foundational to ultimately addressing the root of anger. It also aids in the process of helping people better cope with anger and putting the right safeguards in place to not let anger spiral out of control.
One example of a trigger is when someone begins to yell anytime they feel misunderstood. It could be triggered by someone simply asking them to repeat themselves on the phone. This behavior is likely counterproductive, though even where it may achieve some results, it definitely leaves a barren relationship in its wake. This behavior may even be something that was modeled for a person. For instance, someone who grows up around parents who yell as a means of communication may come to believe that yelling is an effective communication strategy when feeling misunderstood.
Learning Diffusion Strategies
After identifying triggers comes learning diffusion strategies. Anger management is not meant to make someone’s anger disappear entirely. That is not a realistic goal. Anger is, to some extent, unavoidable in life. What can be much more realistically controlled is how someone responds when they begin to feel angry. Thus, anger management therapy focuses on helping people implement coping strategies that defuse their anger or redirect it in healthy ways.
Changing Thought Patterns
Another focus of anger management is helping people change the fundamental patterns of thinking that lead to their anger blowing up. Going back to the earlier example of yelling, this could look like coaching someone through the understanding that their yelling is counterproductive and not an effective communication strategy. Over time, they may come to alter that belief that was inherited from watching their parents. Once that belief changes, it will be much easier to defuse their anger or at least use a different tactic when anger arises.
These methods are the basis of an anger management therapy program and critical to the healing process.
How Anger Management Therapy Is Beneficial
Anger is so often a destructive, damaging emotion. It can cause immense harm to relationships if people are not careful about their anger. Going through anger management can benefit someone’s mental health, relationships, career, and even their physical health. A few more benefits of receiving anger management therapy are:
- A better understanding of what triggers your anger
- Acquisition of coping mechanisms that can be applied to anger and other difficult emotions
- Improved communication skills
- Better problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to social situations
- Relaxation techniques that can be used in daily life
Anger does not have to rule your life and relationships. With the right support, you can learn to manage your anger and learn to communicate effectively.
Find Anger Management Therapy at Serenity Grove
You can learn more about how anger management is beneficial by calling 844.904.3485 or filling out our online form. Start to heal and learn to manage your anger with the right help and support today.
