Anger Management and Counseling in Forest Glen, MD.

Anger is much feared and little understood. It is an essential human emotion, and yet it can lead to rage, which is a destructive instinct. It is essential when dealing with anger to get to the root of it, which is most often deep hurt and/or loss. Using brainspotting (https://brainspotting.pro/) as well as psycho-education, I have helped many people make friends with their anger and have far greater freedom of choice as to how to express it.

Many people have quick tempers and are easily flooded with unhappy emotions. Using new information from neuroscience, we help people learn to observe and think about their own anger process, and then learn ways to re-evaluate and apply “antidote” thoughts to the angry ones. Conversely, many people carry resentment and grudges, and have a lively inner critic of themselves or others, but don’t know how to effectively request what they need and want. They may stew rather than share the needs for safety, control or connection which fuel the anger. Again, we help people follow the feelings, re-appraise them, and come up with a whole different set of actions and reactions. And then practice them in rea....

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.

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.

I do not help clients to "manage" anger. I help them to understand its source and to use it productively rather than destructively. Sometimes it covers up some other feelings that need to be dealt with, and sometimes it is simply directed at the wrong person. By coming to understand your anger better you keep it from making problems and use it to find solutions.

First I help the client to understand the purpose of their anger. There are usually feelings underneath, such as, hurt, sadness, feeling betrayed. Anger is a warning that something is wrong. We explore other ways to handle the issue without acting out the anger. Many people are impulsive and will need to change this habit to learn new ways to deal with their feelings. Groups can be very helpful. It is important to learn how acting out anger affects other people especially those you are close to.

There is a lot in the world that can leave you feeling angry, especially right now! Anger is a natural human feeling, though people don't always know how to manage or what to do with it. Some find being angry can be scary or overwhelming, or gets in the way of more satisfying experiences. Working to better understand what makes you angry and any additional feelings (hurt, sadness, etc) can help you to better be able to advocate for what you need. In therapy, we will collaboratively come to better understand your anger and develop ways of approaching it that allows you to be heard.

All of us experience moments of unwanted emotional intensity and that is normal. However, if you are experiencing moments of intense emotional intensity that you are unable to control, we can help you regain your emotional self-control. We will work with you to help you gain insight into the disruptive emotions and impulses that make you feel out of control and helpless. We will enable you with tools and strategies that you can use to improve your relationships and make your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. Emotional self-control can be learned and we can help.

Do you find that you often react first and think later? Do you often feel ashamed of behaviors you may have performed due to feelings of anger or frustration? Do you feel as if no one listens to your concerns? Let's work on finding different ways to manage your feelings - - let's talk. Give therapy a try - - you deserve the opportunity to see things differently. Make it a good day - - be well. Give me a call for a free phone consult to discuss your concerns. 240.292.6127