Anger Management and Counseling in Bethesda, MD.

We all experience anger in our lives. I help clients develop healthy ways to experience and express their anger by: • Identifying effective ways to handle anger and express feelings; • Understanding how feelings such as fear, pride and inferiority feed anger; • Transforming negative patterns of thinking, relating and behaving that influence anger; • Learning ways to communicate, resolve conflicts and meet needs successfully; and • Developing a healthy lifestyle that supports a successful life. The constructive use of anger, assertiveness, helps express and preserve our needs, worth, and convictions while considering and respecting the needs and feelings of others.

Anger is a natural response to hurt and fear but it can cause more pain in our lives if we use it to hurt others, physically or emotionally. Anger that is destructive, usually comes from an old hurt that we are carrying within us. This hurt has been painfully touched by circumstances or by the actions of someone else. First we need to learn ways to stop our hurtful actions by taking a break or walking away. Then, however, we need to turn our attention to the underlying hurt and to bring compassion and care to our own hurt self. You will find that at the same time, you become more compassionate toward other people.

Anger is a tough emotion. It feels so real and raw in the moment, that we forget that it’s simply a defense mechanism. As human beings, we like to feel powerful. Vulnerable emotions are dangerous. Sadness, fear, jealousy, hurt, and betrayal make us feel weak, so what do we do? We try to look strong, scary, and powerful. Anger is the most efficient way to do this. If we can sit with our more vulnerable feelings and care for them, we are able to see our anger evaporate. We’ll work together to create a safe space for you to explore what’s hiding beneath your anger. The freedom that comes with vulnerability is where your true power lies.

Anger management can change the course of your life. When we learn how to manage our feelings, instead of our feelings managing us, we begin to grow in psychological maturity. The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. I will assist you in understanding triggers, thought patterns, and developing alternative coping mechanisms to address difficult feelings. Your relationships and your life will thrive.