Counselling for Anger

Emotions can get out of hand in a hurry. An intense argument with your partner, yelling at your children, strained outbursts with strangers, and even road rage are just a few situations where your emotions seemingly transform you into a different person. You might say “I lost my mind,” when recounting your behaviour in these emotionally tense situations. As usual, you are not far off from the truth.

Anger management involves acknowledging the purpose behind these emotions. Anger is not likely the first emotion that comes up when watching Bob Ross’ videos or walking through the park. Emotions like anger are designed to help you react rapidly to threatening situations. Your brain is designed to allow your emotions to overcome your rational mind as perceived threats emerge. However, this process can become overactive following certain experiences in your life, including trauma in your past, surviving through combat situations, living with chronic pain, and prolonged work-related stress.

Counselling for men might often begin with anger management, but this process usually unveils emotions like shame, guilt, and fear that are masked by anger. Societal norms contribute to a narrow range of emotional expression in men which, ironically, can lead to increased anger and frustration.

Anger is not a bad emotion. It provides us with a ton of information about your experience when you have the awareness to recognize it. Therapy is an opportunity for you to learn from the anger and other emotions that come up consistently throughout your day. Far from simply managing your emotions, we will work with you in strengthening the awareness necessary for you to use these emotions to your advantage.