Anger Management

Anger Management and Conflict Resolution

Anger Management Counseling in Virginia Beach – Norfolk – Chesapeake

Anger is a normal human reaction to what upsets us. It’s important to understand that it’s very human to feel angry. Anger is part of our emotions and we’re allowed to feel it. Some of us have learned to self-manage our anger and some of us remain quiet until it begins to subside. For some of us, however, anger becomes too intense to manage on our own, and we become aggressive verbally or physically, sometimes ending in rage.
Rage is a more violent type of anger and it can become unrestrainable when we reach the boiling point. Beyond saying the wrong thing, rage can push us to the point of physical reaction. When anger becomes rage, it becomes a dangerous response to those around us. Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a disorder seen as quick-tempered bursts of anger and sometimes violence. Anger management therapy can help with IED, rage and anger.

Anger Management

One out of five Americans has an anger management problem on some level. Anger management refers to the control of anger outbursts, as well as their successful prevention.

Within a successful anger management program like that administered by Tamara Childress, LPC, here in Virginia Beach, patients learn techniques to control their anger and to recognize the signs before an outburst can occur. Anger management isn’t about not feeling anger, it’s about controlling our response when we feel it. If you learn how to control your emotions overall, you’ll inevitably control your anger.

How to Control Anger Before an Outburst?

Harnessing our anger can be challenging, especially if the feeling of anger inside escalates quicker than we expect. But, how to control anger?

According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity can help reduce the stress that causes anger. At the onset of your anger, I recommend going for a walk, a run, or to do one of your favorite activities. Not only will you distract your brain from the situation, but your outburst may lessen. Additionally, if you’re going into a situation where you feel you may become angry, we recommend doing your favorite healthy physical activity before entering the situation.

Here are just a few other key suggestions that can start a healthy path to controlling one’s anger. By putting these into practice along with some counseling, you can help yourself and others around you when feelings of anger and frustration start to mount…

1. Think before you speak
2. Once you’re calm, express your anger
3. Get some exercise
4. Take a timeout
5. Identify possible solutions, think about what made you mad in a rational way
6. Stick with ‘I’ statements, not ‘you’
7. Don’t hold a grudge
8. Use humor to release tension
9. Practice relaxation skills, get some air
10. Know when to seek help

Who Can I See in the Virginia Beach – Norfolk – Chesapeake area of Virginia?

Are you looking for a professional anger management or conflict resolution therapist in the Virginia Beach area? I offer a wide variety of counseling, including anger management, to help you harness your outbursts and discover how to handle these outbursts for a more fulfilling future. When you’re looking for an anger management professional “near me” in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, contact me today to schedule an appointment. I am committed to help you manage your anger and to your overall future emotional success.