Anger Management. Anger Counselling in Geelong

Having difficulty controlling anger? See an anger management counsellor at Head Start Counselling, who will provide anger counselling techniques to manage your emotions and improve your communication. 

Anger, a universal emotion, ranges from mild irritation to intense rage, triggered by various external and internal factors. While natural, unmanaged anger can disrupt personal and professional spheres, impacting mental and physical health, relationships, and decision-making. 

Origins

Anger is hardwired into our biology, and it acts as a response to threats or challenges, activating the body's "fight or flight" mechanism. It stems from diverse triggers—external conflicts or internal stressors—and involves cognitive processes tied to expectations and reality. Anger can often serve as a secondary emotion, masking underlying feelings such as hurt, fear or unmet needs.

Symptoms

Ranging from increased heart rate to tense muscles, anger exists on a spectrum, intensifying based on individual temperament and experiences. Unchecked anger can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and physical health issues, harming relationships, and decision-making abilities.

Common Symptoms in Men:

• Irritability: Men might display increased irritability in response to triggers or stressors.
• Physical Aggression: Some men tend to express anger through physical aggression, such as punching walls or objects.
• Risk-Taking Behaviour: Some men might engage in impulsive and risky behaviour when angry, seeking excitement or thrills.
• Silent Anger: Rather than verbalising their feelings, men might keep their anger inside, leading to brooding or withdrawal.

Common Symptoms in Women:

• Passive Aggression: Women might express anger indirectly, through passive-aggressive behaviours like sarcasm or silent treatment.
• Emotional Outbursts: Women may have emotional outbursts, crying spells, or verbal confrontations when angry.
• Overwhelmed Feeling: Women might feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and societal expectations, leading to anger.
• Somatic Symptoms: Anger in women can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or stomach issues.
• Self-Criticism: Women might direct their anger inward, resulting in self-blame or feelings of guilt.

Who Might Experience Anger

Anyone can experience anger; however, intense, uncontrolled anger can lead to distress and impair daily functioning. It can impact mental and physical health, career, relationships, and potentially result in legal consequences for aggressive behaviour.

How to Address It:

• Anger management therapy techniques involve identifying triggers, managing responses, and changing thought patterns. 
• Counselling aids in understanding and diffusing anger, offering coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills. 
• Therapy fosters improved communication, constructive conflict resolution, and enhances decision-making abilities.

Benefits of Counselling in Anger Management:

• Effective counselling identifies and addresses co-occurring mental health issues, facilitating a comprehensive approach to anger management. 
• Therapy helps individuals become aware of their thoughts and behaviours, developing skills to regulate emotional responses and foster healthier reactions to anger triggers.

Next Steps:

• Recognising the need for anger management is critical. Seeking professional help from trained mental health experts enables individuals to explore anger triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate a healthier relationship with this powerful emotion. 
• Managing anger through counselling can contribute to personal growth, improved well-being, and (ideally!) fosters a more empathetic society.

How We Can Help

Our counselling focuses on understanding individual triggers, offering evidence-based techniques, and aiding in effective anger management. With a tailored approach, our counsellors help navigate anger, promoting emotional regulation, healthy communication, and personal growth.