When anger is expressed in a healthy way it is a very real and valid emotion. However, for a lot of people anger is often something that comes out in quite a volatile and aggressive way. Many individuals find that they don’t know how to say ‘I feel angry’ in a calm away. Often people find themselves never expressing any frustration or upset and suppressing a lot of emotion. In the end this can lead to outbursts of extreme anger.
These outbursts may seem out of character and sometimes they may be very extreme. They can go hand in hand with aggression or even at times violence. Some individuals may even find that they develop addictive behaviours because of trying to manage their anger – which in turn only makes things worse.
Irregular outbursts can then become more regular, and suddenly a person can find themselves losing their temper on a consistent basis. Lashing out at the ones they love, shouting or swearing at people on the street or behind the wheel for example.
All of this becomes a very unhealthy way of expressing anger and in turn this can destroy and take over a person’s life (as well as those closest to them).
How we can help overcome anger
Therapy can really help individuals to process their emotions in a far healthier way. It offers a neutral space to get in touch with emotions and feelings, and to address the underlying causes that lead to certain behaviour. It also offers individuals the chance to make active positive changes in their life and to start doing things differently.
Our role as therapists is to teach people that anger can be expressed in a healthy way. Therapy gives an individual the change to learn to identify when they feel angry or frustrated. It gives them the space to understand when they feel hurt or upset. It offers the chance to work on healthy coping mechanisms instead of developing destructive patterns of behaviour.
At your counselling service we enable people to get more in touch with their feeling. We give them space to express them in the counselling room and encourage that expression outside of it. We offer a supportive and caring environment where change can take place. And in the end, we send our clients out the door with a therapeutic toolbox to manage their anger – that they can use at any point in their life.
Hear Lucy’s story
In this video Lucy very kindly volunteered to share her recovery experience with Your Counselling Service. It gives insights into how she was treated from the moment she enquired to the moment she recovered, and is a great example of how we like to treat and work with all our clients.
Our approach to help anger management
- Starting the recovery process is the biggest step forward
- Learn to respect and value yourself
- Everything in moderation
- Trust the process of recovery
- Self-soothing and respect is key
- Mood diaries can be very helpful
- Everyone is individual with their own recovery plan
- Emotional and physical health is so important
- Change can happen and it can be positive
- Fear can be overcome
- Support network is important (and our service becomes a major part of this)
- Feeling less alone and isolated aids recovery
- Self-worth and esteem can develop through therapy
- You are never alone
- Recovery takes time, strength, and determination
- We are here to help whenever you feel you can’t do it
Lets take your first step to recovery, together.
Making the decision to start therapy is both daunting and frightening. People often feel nervous and don’t know what to expect. To give you an idea, we would book an assessment as an initial chance for us to meet and talk. This would last an hour, and it is an opportunity to ask questions and to get to know you more. You can also ask about anything that you are unsure about. If you feel comfortable and are happy to go ahead, then we would book you in for weekly therapy. Each week would be different depending on where you are at, and what you are coming for. We can discuss all of your needs in the assessment and put a treatment plan in place. We have a great team and we are here to help.