Anger Management and Counselling in Colwood, BC.

We are all born with a full set of emotions, with anger being just one of many (happy, sad, fear etc.etc.). There is nothing inherently wrong with anger. In fact it is a very useful barometer of what is not good for us. However, constant, raging anger is a sign post that something is out of balance and needs our attention. There is also a big difference between feeling anger and committing destructive acts. The work that you and I do for anger issues will begin with honouring your feelings. We will then explore what is underneath the chronic feelings of anger. You will discover more life-enhancing ways to take your space and express your self. You will feel more free.

Anger can often feel so overwhelming that it causes you to do things you later regret. Not knowing what came over you, there are many unanswered questions: why do I keep doing this? why can't I stop myself? Sometimes, alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours lead to this anger, making it more difficult to control. As an addiction counsellor, I help clients overcome addictions leading to anger issues so they can regain a sense of control, rebuild relationships, and gain clarity about how to move forward. If you are unsure where to start, send me a message and I can help. If I'm not the right fit, I can connect you to the right support so you can start gaining back control, today.

A response to life's events falls upon a continuum from neutral to highly-reactive. At times anger, Gandhi called it "Righteous Indignation," is necessary to respond to injustices or inappropriate behaviours. However, uncontrolled, inappropriate anger is destructive to one's self and others. Mindfulness and Metta (Loving Kindness) meditations are excellent tools to deal with anger. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also called Tapping, along with skillful use of affirmations can help to cool the fires of anger. The benefits of anger management lead to a regulating of emotions and thus a gaining of peace of mind, positive relationships, career and family security.

When anger gets the best of us, we can say and/or do things that we later wish we could change or take back. Anger is an instinctive universal emotion, one in which we all have, but not all expressions of anger have to be hurt. In fact, anger works as a great informant and can motivate us to take action to improve our own lives and the lives of people that we care about.

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” Ambrose Bierce Anger is often an intense emotional response that can negatively affect people’s lives. Many people struggle to manage and express their anger effectively due to often intense and overwhelming feelings. Families, work, friendships and one’s personal well-being can be destroyed unintentionally along the way. Although we cannot control anger provoking situations, we can learn step by step techniques for successfully and efficiently managing them. Through counselling we will work to access the issues provoking anger and outbursts, and develop tools to identify and effectively manage emotional triggers. When needed, we will also work with families and...(view profile to read more)

Using a Response-Based Approach, I can help clients see that they have choice in their actions. Anger can sometimes feel like it is an uncontrollable response and clients may feel they 'blackout' and lose control, but through intentional work, you can see that you are in fact in control of your behaviour and are capable of making better choices. While this can feel challenging at times, trust and mutual respect is an important component in the therapeutic relationship.