Anger

 Anger is a normal primary emotion and is very adaptive.  (See Functions of Emotions on our Resources page). It can also be a secondary emotion.  That means it can be triggered by feeling a primary emotion like sadness, fear, guilt.  When anger affects your behaviour in ways that are adversely affecting your life, it may be related to unresolved primary emotions or judgments about fairness or injustice.

 Indicators of an anger problem include difficulty expressing emotions calmly or coming to compromise with others without becoming angry. Anger problems can lead to yelling, cursing, making threats, or acting aggressively or violently. On the other hand, some people with anger problems ignore or refuse to speak to others. Isolating oneself and self-harm can also be signs.

Substance abuse or addiction are often symptoms of an anger problem as well. Even if you don’t abuse alcohol, yet tend to become angry or violent when you do drink, this can also be a sign. 

 Anger issues may result from family or relationship problems, financial issues, or other stressful or traumatic experiences. It can also be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition such as attention deficit disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or one of several other conditions. Our results-oriented anger management counsellors can help you get to the root of your problem. 

We will discuss whether you have an underlying condition that’s contributing your anger problems. If so, considering that condition will be an essential component of your treatment plan.

Additionally, anger management treatment will be designed help you develop better anger management skills. This psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).