Is Anger Management Right for Me?

You’ve probably heard the term “anger management” floating around, either from shows, movies, or people around you. Unfortunately, the purpose and process of anger management are not clearly explained in the media, which might result in uncertainty when deciding whether or not it might benefit you.

When should someone seek anger management?

What are the signs of anger issues? You can look at several areas of your life to gauge the necessity. One indicator that anger management classes are useful for you is if you’ve begun to notice yourself having difficulty regulating your responses to anger. If you’re experiencing outbursts even over minor issues, if you’re reacting with verbal or physical aggression instead of applying more assertive communication, or if you’re repeating the destructive behaviors despite often feeling regret or guilt after blowing up, you might benefit from anger management skills.

Have you noticed some strain in your relationships with your significant other, family, friends, or coworkers? If so, this might be a second indicator that anger management is beneficial for you. The strain might be from trouble maintaining healthy boundaries or damaging communication habits, both of which can be improved through learning anger management techniques. If your anger is escalating or becoming more frequent, if you’re struggling with self-regulation, or if you just feel like your anger is affecting your quality of life, seeking anger management might be a solid next step for personal growth.

Is anger management the same as therapy?

As you do some research while seeking anger management treatment, you may wonder about the difference between anger management and therapy. Simply put, anger management focuses on helping individuals respond to anger more effectively and productively. At the same time, therapy addresses the underlying emotional issues that might be contributing to the anger responses, such as stress, anxiety, or trauma. Whereas anger management will introduce practical tools for managing reactions, understanding triggers, reducing aggression, and engaging in healthier communication, therapy will typically involve a deeper dive into processing emotions, identifying patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and working on long-term personal growth. Though therapy might integrate anger management skills within the overall treatment plan, anger management classes will typically only involve the understanding and application of skill sets to help individuals self-regulate. Once you have assessed your needs, you can connect with the appropriate treatments and professionals. Avedian Counseling Center provides Licensed Therapists and Certified Anger Management Counselors who are happy to help you meet your therapy and anger management needs.

So, should you take the plunge and sign up for anger management classes? If you want quick, actionable tools to help you manage your anger reactions and don’t feel the need for more intensive therapy to treat mental health, then anger management classes could be a good fit. You can build awareness of your anger triggers, learn strategies to help you de-escalate, and improve your communication skills. Of course, if you’re still unsure, consider a consultation with a therapist to determine if anger management classes or therapy would be more appropriate for you.

Remember, anger management is a practical solution for controlling your reactions to anger, while therapy is the deeper exploration of underlying causes. If your anger affects your life, seeking support through classes or therapy is essential for healing and growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the help you need!

Silva Depanian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#121864) and Certified Anger Management Counselor at Avedian Counseling Center, providing services through telehealth and in Glendale. She specializes in anger management, chronic pain management, anxiety, and codependent relationships, assisting individuals and groups who seek a more fulfilling quality of life. Silva’s mission is to help clients achieve their goals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques, promoting change through encouraging boundary setting and fostering healthy communication. Whether in individual sessions or group settings, Silva is here to listen and collaborate with clients on their journey toward balance and happiness.

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