Anger management therapy is a psychotherapeutic program specifically for controlling and reducing anger. It was defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the use of one or more cognitive skills to reduce or eliminate interpersonal stress and to promote well-being. Anger can have serious and negative effects upon individuals, families and entire nations. Many individuals are affected by anger issues and most have learned to cope, but there are some who need intensive anger management training.
The first step in the development of an anger management program is to determine the root cause and then plan a treatment strategy. This will include a review of biological and environmental causes for the anger. This information will be used to develop a treatment plan for the individual. It will also identify any risk factors that may influence a person's aggression. In addition, cognitive therapies will be used to change the way an individual thinks and applies their mind in situations.
Specific anger management programs were developed to address each specific symptom. One type of treatment for aggression is called the Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This therapy focuses on changing the thoughts and beliefs associated with anger issues. Cognitive therapy has been successful in treating many forms of psychological disorders such as depression, fear, stress and eating disorders. In addition, cognitive therapy is also effective for reducing the frustration associated with aggressive actions.
One particular component of cognitive behavioral therapy is the acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This component of cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals learn to control their emotions and to make healthy choices. An example is that when people suffer from anger issues, they tend to experience strong emotions such as sadness, fear, worry, irritation and even guilt. When an individual learns to accept these emotions, they become less tempted to act on their aggressive impulses. Another aspect of this technique is that people are given the ability to gradually eliminate negative thoughts and replace them with more positive alternatives. A popular choice in anger reduction is a course of weekly counseling.
If an individual is unable to control their outbursts and aggressive actions, an individual may choose to take an anger management course. This class is designed to help individuals explore ways they can control their emotions and thought processes, so they will no longer be driven to excessively aggressive actions. These classes are generally held at local colleges or universities. Students learn how to recognize their own personal triggers which trigger aggressive actions and ways they can overcome those triggers. Once a student masters this skill, they will be able to effectively deal with other people, employers, and other situations.
The fourth option is the CBT anger management treatment. This treatment is an all-encompassing approach that teaches students skills for dealing with their negative emotions. Students learn how to identify their triggers so they can develop skills to stop being driven to self-destructive behavior. They learn how to change their thought processes to acknowledge the root cause of their negative emotions rather than engaging in shallow responses to problems.
Finally, a person could also benefit from the Cognitive Behavior Therapy approach to learning how to control their angry outbursts. This approach targets both cognitive and emotional factors that lead to an individual experiencing high amounts of stress and frustration. By modifying the way a person thinks and responds to situations, they could effectively lower their stress levels and lower the frustration they feel over things. This anger management program could result in a healthier emotional state overall.
Anger and its effects are a serious problem that affects individuals in their lives. Fortunately, there are various options for individuals who are struggling with high amounts of frustration due to their outbursts or aggression toward others. No matter which of the Anger Management Training methods a person chooses, they are making a positive step toward controlling their emotions and regaining control of their lives. By learning how to manage their anger they will be able to have a more productive and happier life.