Anger can be an important signal. It can help us to identify our needs that are not being taken care of. It can help us to realize when we are feeling "stuck," and to identify actions we need to take. Poorly managed anger, however, can be very destructive. All of our relationships may be affected, including those with our spouses, children, co-workers, and friends.
Women are often taught not to express anger, or to even feel anger. Some women are aware only of feelings of depression, low self-esteem, or of being untrue to ourselves; this is what we feel when we bury our anger.
Men are often taught to express their anger as a way to appear strong. They are taught to "be a man" and "don't act like a girl." Fear and pain are often underneath anger, yet men often lose touch with those feelings and are only aware of a discomfort that can be temporarily discharged through aggression.
By addressing your anger issues, you can begin to discover how your expectations of yourself and others can cause frustration and anger, and what it is that "triggers" your anger. You will look at how your thoughts are connected to your anger, and begin to tune in to the feelings beneath your anger. You can learn to communicate your anger without blaming or shaming, and to use your anger energy to make positive changes in your life.
Individual, couple, and family counseling is available for addressing anger issues, as well as individual counseling with children.
Anger Management Groups begin every three months. For more information on groups and FREE Understanding Anger Workshops, please visit www.AngerDefanger.com.
