Anger Management and Counseling in Atlanta, GA.

Very often people find that their angry outbursts surprise them (and those around them). This occurs most often because we haven't dealt with the real source of the anger. Clients often try to convince themselves that they are "over it" or that "it doesn't matter" when, in fact, they aren't over it and it does matter. I see this quite a lot in women - who tend to be socialize not to show anger. Therefore it leaks out in more passive aggressive and subtle ways. It's still anger - but it can be inflicted on herself or the true reason for the anger can be veiled making it difficult for others to figure how why there is an outburst.

"Anger management" has become a household term, and this is no surprise as anger is so prevalent in our society and it is so necessary to manage it. Anger in and of itself is not bad, but poor anger management skills can have negative and sometimes devastating effects on our relationships, careers, etc. In psychotherapy, I work with clients to identify the source(s) of their anger and then help them to look at things from different perspectives and to change their negative thinking and behaviors. With this help, people can take control of their anger and not let it control them.

I get mad. You get mad. Your Mom gets mad. Your Dad gets mad. Hey, let’s face it, at one time or another EVERYBODY gets mad! Anger is a normal human emotion and it is the way that our minds release mental and emotional pressure (just like that pressure cooker mom has at home!), but sometimes this normal emotion can run amok and lead you astray when the “angries” make us say and do things that we don't really mean. Getting angry is normal, letting anger get the best of you is not. So how do you know if your anger is getting out of control and what can you do about it if you’re raging? Surprisingly enough recognizing and managing anger is relatively easy, at Thrive Counseling we work with children,....

Anger is usually a more surface emotion for a deeper emotion such as fear or sadness. Anger can be like a flashing light on a dashboard of a car, indicating trouble inside. It is important to learn to diffuse and go to the root of this symptom. Looking at family of origin issues explains anger that many times seems inappropriate for current situations. I believe a person's past is the key to enjoying the present and fulfilling dreams of the future.

Dr. Matt Smith and Atlanta Consulting and Psychological Services provide anger management counseling on an individual level only to ensure that our client's get the one on one time with a counselor that is needed. We utilize a Cognitive Behavior Therapeutic Orientation to assist our client's in thinking through their issues rather than reacting to triggers. We try to convey to our clients that transformation through change is attainable and working through issues will be supported.

Simply put, you can control your temper when you really want to, when you are highly motivated to do so, and when you make a strong effort of the right sort. The problem is that you have learned not to bother to control your temper in certain circumstances with certain persons. But you have learned to control your temper in situations where you thought that you could not get away with such outbursts. What has been learned can be unlearned. Moreover, the fact that you have learned to control your temper in any situation at all shows that you can learn to do so. That means you can learn to do so at home and we will show you how.

Anger can get triggered in situations where you feel disrespected, shamed, rejected, powerless, not heard, not valued, or not safe. My approach for helping clients reduce their anger is to identify past experiences that elicit anger, frustration, fear, shame or other upsetting emotions and negative thoughts now, and then to reprocess those memories with EMDR therapy. I have also helped clients understand why they feel they need to hold on to their anger and then work through the blocks to letting the anger go while still helping them find other ways to feel in control, heard, respected or safe. Note: I do not offer Anger Management classes to meet work or court ordered requirements.

Anger is a secondary emotion, it never exists in a vacuum. This means that all anger has its source, whether it be unmet needs, frustration, guilt, shame etc. A large part of anger management counseling is uncovering the primary emotion, revealing the source and understanding where the anger is coming from. Often, this knowledge alone is more than half the battle. There are other techniques as well that can help you overcome your anger when you feel like you're going to "flip your lid."

Anger is a necessary emotion that has it's own intelligence. It helps us identify a threat and often motivates us to make improvements. Think, for example, of the American Revolution, the Civil Rights and the Equal Rights Movements, all of which began with a group of people who got angry. But like all good things that our emotions offer us, there is the downside to anger. Anger is usually energizing, and this energy can be harmful if misdirected. It can harm relationships, lead to physical harm, financial problems and sometimes, death. Anger itself is not the problem. It is how that anger is expressed that is the problem. I help people find better ways of expressing themselves.

Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D approaches issues of anger management in a very humane yet fresh perspective. You see, anger is a normal emotion but it is the valence (intensity) as well as the coupling choice of what one does with this that is the problem. Telling someone to "not" do it or modifying behavior with a trite psychological plan that only breeds a compliant response is not the way to change anger. Brainwave optimization is a new cutting edge technology that allows one to rewire circuitry responsible for reactivity driving the anger. Contact Grey Matters International, Inc now at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

I do not work with actively violent clients. A lot of people, parents, kids, spouses have issues of yelling, interrupting, throwing things, threats, hostile withdrawal, passive aggressive or intimidation. Dr. Phillips coaches clients on assertiveness, learning to "shut up and get up," pausing to stop reacting and start responding, the importance of the calm-and-kind conversation, the method and importance of apologies and repairs, the labels of voice volume (whisper, conversation, emphatic, loud, yelling and screaming), the need to slow down, listen first and so much more!

I don’t believe in anger management. Anger shouldn’t be “managed.” I believe it should be expressed wisely. If you struggle with anger issues, I would bet you use your anger in destructive ways. I can help you learn constructive ways to express your anger. Contact me today to receive a free article I’ve written about anger management. Put an end to the destruction and construct healthier relationships with wisely expressed anger.

Anger Management is about understanding how to manage the triggers and stressors that are uniquely the clients. Learning mindfulness techniques and self-reflection approaches are some of the strategies. Anger can also be the byproduct of an imbalance biochemistry. In therapy we explore the episodes and work with both the short term and long term issues. I work with adolescents/teens who have anger issues including impulse disorders.