Boston Anger Counseling, Overcoming Anger, Controling your Temper, Overcoming Rage

Definitions and Key Thoughts

Anger

·        Anger ranges from being frustrated to severe fury. It can last from a few seconds to a lifetime.

·        One is never "wrong" to feel anger. What we do in our anger determines whether or not we are wrong.

·        Anger is best understood as a state of readiness. It is a natural response to a real or perceived injustice inspiring a powerful alertness that allows us to defend ourselves or others.

Expressions of Anger
Anger Always Finds an Expression

Repression—to deny anger’s presence. This is unhealthy because even though it may not be observable, it is still present—turned inward.

Suppression—with suppression, one redirects anger-driven energy into healthy or unhealthy behavior.

Expression—healthy expression involves gentle assertiveness; unhealthy expression involves aggressiveness that hurts others.

Action Steps and Tips to Overcoming Anger

1. See It

• List known triggers and sources of anger
• Until you can control the anger, avoid triggers as much as possible
• Identify angry feelings while they are still minor.
• Be aware of physical changes—these are warning signs (e.g., Rising heart rate, tensed muscles, dilated pupils, clenched fists, flared nostrils, bulged veins)

2. Delay It

• Take a “time out” from the situation (20 minute minimum)
• Perform light exercise until the intensity of anger is manageable.
• “Write, don’t fight;” This exercise is personal and writings should be kept private, not sent.
• Talk with a trusted friend who is unrelated to the anger-provoking situation: Don’t just vent—ask for constructive advice.

3. Control It

• Respond, don’t react.
• Confront to restore, not to destroy.
• Empathize (yelling is a failure to empathize).
• Learn how to self-calm. Calming will help you let some of your angry feelings subside before expressing anger in a healthy way.
• Talk to a counseling professional, find an accountability partner, or join an anger management group

Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way—that is not easy.

—ARISTOTLE

Looking For Boston Anger Counseling? Let's talk today.

Call us at 617-395-5806. A Thrive Boston Counselor is available to talk with you, today. If you call and reach our voice message system, don't be discouraged! We still want to talk with you, we are just seeing clients. Leave your name and phone number and we will call you back that day. 

Nervous about calling? You can also email us at ThriveBoston@gmail.com. Be sure to include your phone number in the email so that we can call you back. 

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