We all know what it feels like to be angry, from a mild annoyance to an intense rage. Anger serves the evolutionary purpose of preparing us to respond to physical threats. When people miscalculate an appropriate response to a perceived threat, or struggle to control their anger, it impacts their ability to optimally function and becomes problematic. Anger can impact performance at work, interpersonal relationships, and sustained anger can negatively impact health.

From a CBT perspective, anger is the product of our own rigid demands, and low frustration tolerance. Angry people often have demands that others (or the world at large) conform to how they think they should behave. When others do not conform, as will undoubtedly happen, the individual holding these demands becomes enraged. Alternately, angry people will often have demands on the circumstances in which things should happen. If they are frustrated by circumstances, they become enraged. People with anger issues often develop secondary problems of anxiety or depression. For example they may be anxious that they will not be able to control their escalating anger, or self loathing for not being able to control it.

In therapy I will help you identify the thoughts and beliefs that are leading your feelings of anger. We will address any secondary issues about your anger (depression, anxiety). You will learn skills to help you cope with symptoms of anger, such as bodily arousal (heart pounding, muscles tightening) & racing thoughts. You will leave therapy with concrete cognitive, and behavioral skills to utilize in managing your anger.