Anger Management and Counselling in Burlington, ON.

Anger is a normal natural feeling at times in ones life, however, it can be paralyzing when it is expressed in a destructive manner. Like most feelings it is never right or wrong to feel angry, but how we behave because of it can be right or wrong. By understanding the underlying causes of anger, an individual can learn a more positive way of handling their negative feelings, which will make one feel better about themselves and their relationships.

Anger is a completely normal, often healthy human emotion. But if it gets beyond your control, it can be very destructive in your work and interpersonal relationships and can drastically devastate the quality of your life. Fortunately, anger can be 'managed' which is very different than 'suppressing' it. Unexpressed anger leads to a host of other problems including high blood pressure. However, when we learn how to 'manage' our anger, we can learn to diminish both the emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. We can learn to avoid triggers and develop strategies. We can learn how to problem solve, change our thinking and relax our bodies.

Anger management is a series of preventative and reactionary steps that help us regulate our emotions. While anger management is about executing these skills, the successful implementation depends on a foundational understanding of what anger is and how it operates in one’s life. Without understanding angers unique roots for each individual, anger management techniques become especially challenging to implement. My approach to anger management involves establishing a foundational understanding of anger by examining personal underlying fears and needs. With this foundation set, the individual is able to integrate a personal understanding of anger consistently with strategies and techniques.

Perceptions of anger vary based on personal experiences; some of us have experienced it as a destructive force presented through aggression or violence. Whether anger is getting in the way of authentic connection, resolving differences with others, or impacting your overall mental health, understanding it can be a helpful first step in anger therapy, also known as anger management therapy. Schedule a free consultation to see if we are a good fit for therapy.

Anger is a normal and healthy emotion and we all get angry from time to time. However, when anger turns destructive and/or self-destructive and brings problems into your personal and professional life, you need to seek support to learn how to manage your anger better. In the process, you will learn how to relieve the symptoms and recognize the signs of anger, increase your confidence and self esteem level, enjoy stronger and healthier relationships with your loved ones and coworkers, learn how to express yourself and your emotions with confidence and without anger, and live more balanced life both mentally and emotionally.

Anger management counseling can help to identify stressors and learn the steps to stay calm in the face of anger. The goal is to handle tense situations in more constructive and positive ways by reducing the emotional and physical arousal that anger can cause. It will provide the tools to take back your life and resolve the triggers that result in unplanned anger reactions.

My approach to anger management focuses on helping clients understand the deeper emotions and triggers behind their anger, while also learning healthier ways to cope and respond. Together, we explore patterns, stressors, and underlying feelings such as hurt, fear, or frustration that may fuel anger. I integrate evidence-based tools like CBT, mindfulness, and emotion regulation strategies to build awareness and self-control. Clients benefit by developing practical skills to manage reactions, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships.

One of the most common complaints I hear from parents is that their child never listens. “No matter what it is they just don’t hear me. I yell and scream and plead but it’s like I am talking to a brick wall.” Most of the time the way the message is delivered is more important than the message itself. Adults and children alike tend to close themselves off from loud and intrusive tones of voice. I help parents understand that perhaps the best way to get their kids to listen and behave is by first changing their attitudes towards the situation. Engaging in a parenting paradigm shift is a great way to start their journey and I can help with this process.

Anger is a difficult emotion to control once it gets started. Stopping anger is like stopping a runaway train after it has a full head of steam. Managing one of the most powerful emotions takes preparation, awareness and containment skills. I have personally written the book on the Eight Steps to Conquering Chronic Anger. It is used monthly at our centre in anger management classes. Anger can be conquered!

Being angry when something goes wrong, or somebody annoys you is completely normal. The question is: do you like to feel that way? Sometimes the anger is extraordinarily strong, and it can make you lose control. Do you like the consequences of being angry? - headaches, regrets of words you said, and actions you did? Anger is complicated and it often has deep roots. For this reason, it can be difficult to “just control it”. My experience of working with jail inmates shows that digging deeper into the past can help to find connections between trigger events and such strong reactions. When you have better understanding of your anger, the reaction can change and no strong control will be needed.

Anger is a common emotion that can come easy to us and can feel quite powerful. Our anger can often help us identify when something doesn’t sit right with us, when we feel like our needs are not being met, or like situations pose some level of injustice towards us. However, it is what we do with this anger that can make all the difference in how we cope, experience, and navigate situations. As a therapist, I will never tell you how to express your anger, but rather I will empower you to manage it in a way that fits best for you and your life. Connect with me today for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

My approach to anger management focuses on helping clients understand what’s beneath the anger—not just stopping the reaction. Using CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed strategies, I help clients identify triggers, interrupt automatic responses, and express emotions in healthier, more effective ways. Clients learn practical skills for self-control, communication, and emotional regulation. Over time, they gain clarity, confidence, and the ability to manage conflict without exploding, shutting down, or damaging relationships.

In 30 years of helping people, I have found that how we handle our feelings is a major contributor to our joy, pleasure and success in life, not just in relationships but pursuing our work and our goals as well. Anger can be a powerful motivator or an obstacle in getting what we want. I have an approach for understanding the healthy purpose of anger, and becoming aware of and in control of your natural physiological arousal process so that your angry behavior can stop getting in the way of what you really want. You can obtain the tools and resources to work with this arousal process, giving you more choices and chances to succeed, rather than letting anger take away those choices.

Anger can be upsetting not only for the one receiving it but also for the one expressing it. Although we can believe that someone "makes" us angry it is usually our own trigger that fires off. We express anger not just because we feel we have a right to be angry but because we use anger as a way of self protection. It says "back off and leave me alone." Understanding your angry pain can free you from it's grip. I have helped many clients with this difficulty through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and inner child approaches that have proven to be successful in the treatment of anger.