Anger Management
How to Find the Right Help for You – it could be life-changing!
Anger management is a term that describes a range of counselling therapies and strategies that can help you achieve your goals, and cope with anger in a healthier way. It is important to find the right help for your anger management needs, as it can have a huge impact on your mental health and relationships. When it comes to finding the right help, counselling for anger management can be one great option, and there are also anger management books, courses, workshops etc available. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of anger management counselling available, how to choose the right counsellor for you, and how to find an anger management course or training.
What Is Anger Management?
Anger management is a type of therapy that helps people to improve their self-control and reduce their anger, enabling them to respond more appropriately rather than reacting with anger or aggression in potentially volatile situations. It can help people understand their triggers and develop better ways of responding to events and other people. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘anger regulation’ or ‘anger treatment’.
Do I Need Anger Management?
In some ways this is a really individual question; if you feel you’re struggling with managing your anger or feel like it’s spiralling out of control and beginning to affect your life in a negative way, then you may benefit from anger management counselling. Another indicator is people around you; is your anger hurting others? Are people wary of ‘setting you off’?
Anyone can experience anger issues, though they may be more common in those who are prone to intense emotions and suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. People may also seek anger management counselling after experiencing a traumatic event, and it’s really important that you get the support you need from an experienced counsellor who meets you where you’re at.
Where Can I Get Help with Anger?
If you are seeking help with anger, there are a variety of resources available. You may choose to seek the help of a therapist or counsellor in your local area who specializes in this field (for example anger management is an area of focus for Cara Counselling) or you could opt for an online anger management course or training program.
What Type of Help Is Available?
The type of help available depends on your needs and goals. You may choose to work one-on-one with a therapist or counsellor, attend a group anger management course, or participate in an online program. These options vary in terms of cost and time commitment, and also on your personal preferences.
One thing to consider (or remember) is that one on one counselling does not have to be face to face; many counsellors now offer online counselling (telehealth) and some offer outdoor counselling, like Cara Counselling’s Walk and Talk option.
What Outcomes Can I Expect from Anger Management?
If you’re like most people who are concerned about anger, you want compassionate support that will guide you through making change, from start to finish. When done correctly, anger management will give you the support you need to help reduce symptoms of anger, such as impulsivity, violent behaviour, and aggressive outbursts. Cara Counselling’s anger management runs through triggers, physical cues, your thoughts and how you are appraising those thoughts, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anger, and a range of anger management tools and strategies
Anger management counselling can help you recognise the triggers for your anger, such as feeling threatened or overwhelmed, so you can work on reducing the intensity of your reactions to them. An anger management therapist or counsellor can also help you come up with strategies for better expressing and managing your feelings, such as communication techniques and relaxation methods.
The ultimate goal of anger management is to improve your overall wellbeing and allow you to live a happier and healthier life.
What Does Anger Management Cost?
The cost of anger management depends on the type of help you are seeking. One-on-one therapy sessions with a counsellor or therapist can range from around $100 to $280 per hour. Online courses can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the length and content of the program. Group courses may be less expensive, depending on where they are held – and again remember online courses or online anger management workshops as a flexible option. Cara Counselling’s options include a self-paced workbook, one-on-one appointments, and online group workshops.
It’s also important to consider how much your anger costs you and others, for example in terms of damage to relationships, losing clients, missing out on promotions at work, or even getting fired due to anger outbursts. And if your anger is leading you into trouble with the law, or having poor health outcomes, there are some serious costs here to weigh up against the costs of anger management counselling or taking an anger management course.
Should I see a Counsellor?
Seeing a counsellor for anger management can provide you with tailored advice and guidance to help you better manage anger; it can be done face-to-face or online, and you get personalised advice from a professional. It is important to choose a counsellor who is experienced in anger management and who understands your needs. It’s also important to be comfortable with that person; to feel you’re getting the support you need to get the results you want.
There are a variety of different counselling techniques that can be used to help an individual deal with their anger, including CBT, grounding and relaxation. One on one counselling can be tailored to you with strategies that specifically support you identify triggers for your anger, learn helpful tools and strategies, and develop better communication skills.
What about group Anger Management Courses or Training?
Some people find small group counselling sessions helpful as they can hear from other people's experiences and gain insight from how others manage their anger. There is a feeling of working as a team to achieve the results you all want, while getting the support you personally need from the counsellor or therapist leading the anger management training. Again, these can be face to face or online, giving some flexibility, although they’re less flexible than individual sessions.
What about online Anger Management Courses or Training?
There are many options for online courses or training, and these offer great flexibility and are also generally a cost-effective option. A few notes of caution, be sure the course has been designed by a counsellor/therapist with appropriate qualifications and experience, and be sure that you have the motivation to do the work without the guidance of a counsellor or group. Enlisting a friend or partner to check in on your progress and support you can make a big difference.
Putting It All Together
If you feel you want to work together with other people; consider one-on-one counselling, or small group anger management workshops. One-on-one may be the best option if your anger comes from trauma; you’ll get the support you need to heal, and prevent your anger issues getting worse. If you’re ready to take control, and confident that you’re committed to making a change, then a self-paced course or resource may be best for you. Ultimately, make the choice that works for you and get started with taking control of your anger.