Anger management
Anger is a normal and useful emotion. It can indicate frustrating or unfair situations, or be the culmination of emotional or stressful events. However, being a powerful emotion and it can be quite alarming to witness or deal with aggressive outbursts.
What is Anger management?
During a given situation, it may be that the individual may feel criticised, misunderstood, or falsely accused which leads to a sense of injustice. Anger can be a tool used for motivation and transformation of a particular negative state into a positive one. Or, as it often is, can be a very damaging and destructive force causing havoc in our lives and the world around us. Anger management entails expressing this particular emotion in a controlled and therefore a healthier way. This way, we avoid causing damage to ourselves, the environment, other people and relationships, and allow ourselves, above all, to express this emotion in a way which seeks resolution and positive outcomes.
Types of anger
There are various types of anger, however below you can find descriptions of common forms of anger expressions:
Passive Anger
This type of anger revolves around avoiding confrontation of a particular issue which is the cause of anger. This type of anger is usually expressed indirectly instead of addressing the issue openly. Signs of this aggression or anger can manifest in ways such as silence, mockery and sarcasm, “taking digs” at somebody, avoidance and ignoring.
Assertive Anger
This type of anger is usually the best form of anger expression. It is a controlled way of dealing with the issue, confronting it honestly and communicating about it. It transforms a situation which can be hostile into a calm one where a resolution is sought after in a healthy and controlled way.
Open Anger
Open anger is the most uncontrolled form of anger and a very damaging one for both the person expressing it as well as the people around them. As the name suggests, it is anger which is open, direct and uncontrolled, and often involves outbursts of violence and rage, as well as verbal and even physical abuse to people, animals and things which can cause sometimes irreversible damage in various ways. It can also manifest in forms such as bullying, blackmail, fighting etc.
Triggers for anger
- Disrespect towards our feelings or possessions
- Injustice
- Situations where we feel threatened or attacked
- Frustrated
- Powerless
- Invalidated or treated unfairly
signs of an anger disorder and symptoms
- Persistent or overwhelming feelings of anger
- Tense muscles
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest tightness
- Increased blood pressure
- Headaches
- Nausea
Treatment for Anger management
CBT is one of the most popular forms of therapy to treat anger management. The guidance provided with this therapy will support you in identifying triggers and adjusting them with more healthy responses.
Book an appointment
All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for Anger management and a range of other conditions for both young people and adults. If you would like more information, please visit our FAQ’s page or if you have a question that is not listed please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
Clinicians who specialize in treating Anxiety
Our team of qualified clinicians specialise in helping people with all forms of anxiety. This includes Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Sleep Problems, work stress and PTSD.
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Complete screening questionnaire and we will connect you with a therapist according to your needs and requirement criteria.
