Anger Management and Counseling in Durham, NC.

A lack of ability to manage one’s anger can have devastating effects on a person’s life, to include intimate relationships, parenting, work, and friendships. Clients often present frustrated with themselves for this inability, but feeling unable to change what feels to them like an automatic response and a normal response to stress and annoyances. At Lepage Associates we help people recognize managing anger is a skill, and like all other skills it can be leaned with guidance and hard work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been the preferred method of treatment for anger for decades. Cognitively, clients are taught to become more aware of when and how their anger develops by identifying

Anger is an emotion that typically does not stem from the presenting problem, but rather an unmet need, feeling of vulnerability, or unvalidated emotion. Through a mindfulness approach to the emotion of anger, we can explore the other emotions or past traumas that may trigger an angry response or behavior. You will experience the benefits of therapy as we identify triggering emotions, learn ways to validate your own emotions, assert your needs, and communicate more effectively with others. The results will be improved and more satisfying relationships, reduced tolls of emotional and physical stress, and fewer anger responses.

Struggling with excessive anger is lonely. By the time most people are willing to admit that the problem is out of control, they have deeply hurt the people closest to them. Relationships have ended, or may be about to end. The cost of doing nothing is much to high. Many practitioners focus on teaching strategies and tools for managing anger reactions. In addition to those things, I also recognize that anger is a secondary emotion.

Anger can sometimes help you be assertive in important situations. However, if you consistently express your anger in ways that negatively affect your relationships and self-esteem, you may have an anger management issue. In therapy, clients learn about the underlying reasons for their anger and ways to self-soothe and validate their own experience. With more self-awareness, clients are able to express their feelings with calm, clarity, and greater sensitivity to others. We can work together to feel less on edge, so you are more approachable and experience greater satisfaction in relationships.