Anger Management and Counseling in Wonder Lake, IL.

If after getting a flat tire, you think and continue to say to yourself: "This sucks"…This is terrible"…"Why does this always happen to me?"…"I can’t stand it"… anger will be the likely emotional response. And if you typically think in a negative way, then you will likely be more prone to psychological and physical difficulties like anger, poor relationships, stroke and heart disease.On the other hand, someone who thinks to himself "I’m glad that I have a spare tire"…"I can handle this"…"This is a hassle, not a horror", will react in a more realistic manner. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how to cope more effectively with life's challenges and lead a happier life.

We look at anger as a secondary emotion. It is very easy to characterize a person as "angry" and not explore where the reaction or response truly stems from. Our approach is to provide healing at the root. We explore what other emotions may be operating, so that we can address what has really provoked a negative response. We also try to find ways to replace the thoughts that evoke an angered response with something that helps our clients feel more in control.

In dealing with anger management, I do not simply try to focus on counting to 10 and other superficial control mechanisms. Instead, I try to help the individual to learn to deal more effectively with the underlying causes of the anger. Anger is a defensive response to perceived threat. Thus, I help the individual to uncover, recognize and deal more effectively with the perceived threat - perceived loss of love and respect from a loved one is the most common threat. We all feel hurt when we perceive that our loved one feels or thinks less of us.

Is your temper raging “out of control”? Do small things set you off? Do you react with sudden outbursts, flinging insults? Or, do you retreat in silent rage? Do you often feel your anger is justified, but upon reflection, regret your behavior? Or, do you find yourself locked in constant battle with people closest to you and those you love? Anger is a natural emotion, but unregulated anger can be destructive. It takes a toll on the individual and those around him or her, eroding self-esteem, wreaking havoc, and perpetuating feelings of disconnection, isolation and even loneliness. We can help you manage angry outbursts, understand your anger’s origins including unknown, underlying painful emotions, identify healthy coping strategies, channel your anger...(view profile to read more)