Counseling for Anger Management

Anger management symptoms can vary widely in terms of symptoms and severity, but with enough practice, you can adopt healthy ways of handling your emotions and live a more peaceful life. If you’re struggling with anger issues in Grand Rapids, MI, Health for Life Counseling can help.

Anger Issues Defined

You can have anger issues even if you aren’t smashing plates, assaulting people, or engaging in other abusive behaviors. Symptoms may not be visible outwardly, but they are still present. However intense the level of your anger may be, a cognitive behavioral therapist can help. A therapist can help you to identify the root causes of your rage, change the thinking patterns that contribute to it and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What Causes Anger Issues?

In most cases, anger is actually a secondary emotion triggered by underlying feelings of anxiety, insecurity, shame, guilt, humiliation, or helplessness. It can also result from unprocessed trauma, grief, or even physical health conditions like hyperthyroidism and diabetes.

Health Conditions That Can Contribute To Anger

• Depression & Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• ADHD
• Oppositional Defiance Disorder
• Hormone Imbalances
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Alcoholism & Other Addictions

Is Anger Inherently Bad?

Contrary to popular belief, anger can be a normal and healthy emotion, but it can be destructive if you don’t know how to manage it properly. Simply feeling mad isn’t inherently wrong—it’s what you do with the emotion that really matters. If you’re struggling to cope, a therapist can teach you how to recognize the warning signs of anger and how to deal with it in a healthy and constructive way before it spirals into full-blown rage.

Signs It’s Time To Seek Professional Help For Anger

• It’s interfering with your relationships, career, or education.
• Your temper flares up very easily, and you feel ashamed of yourself after it calms down.
• Anger bouts last a long time once it’s triggered.
• You isolate yourself and turn the aggressive feelings inward, using self-harm as an outlet.
• You frequently resort to passive-aggression to get your emotional needs met.
• You’re scared of the intensity of your own temper.
• You feel compelled to injure yourself after an outburst.
• Your anger is related to depression, trauma, or substance use.
• Family or friends are urging you to seek help.

What To Expect During Your First Session

If you’ve never been to counseling before, you may wonder what to expect. In general, counseling is a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings in a confidential, zero-judgment setting.

During the first session, your counselor will likely ask you about your reasons for seeking counseling, treatment goals, as well as your past experiences with depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma. This information helps them understand your unique situation and develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

Types Of Anger Management Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Family & Marriage Counseling
• Online Therapy

DIY Coping Strategies

In addition to seeking therapy, it is helpful to practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and sensory soothing skills at home. These mindfulness exercises can help reduce overall stress and anxiety, as well as de-escalate your feelings of irritability or rage.

Online Anger Management Counseling In Michigan

If you’re struggling with bouts of anger, it’s important to seek out professional help before you unintentionally damage your relationships or career. With the assistance of a compassionate therapist at Health for Life Counseling, you can learn how to handle your emotions, so that you can control your anger instead of letting them control you. Contact our office today to book your first appointment.