Anger Management Programs

Getting help for anger

Anger is probably the most poorly handled emotion in our society. Anger is "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage," according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. Like other emotions, it is accompanied by physiological and biological changes; when you get angry, your heart rate and blood pressure go up, as do the levels of your energy hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person (Such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (a traffic jam, a canceled flight), or your anger could be caused by worrying or brooding about your personal problems. Memories of traumatic or enraging events can also trigger angry feelings.

Things happen every day that make us feel angry. You cannot avoid feeling angry but you can make choices about how you are going to express your anger. Remember that abuse toward yourself or others is never an OK way of dealing with anger. Healthy choices are those that help you resolve a problem, or let you deal with your anger. What you do with your anger is your choice only - it is never anyone elses fault.

Can anger be severe enough to be a disorder?

Anger disorder, more properly known as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a psychological condition characterized by sporadic episodes of aggression, violence, and destructive behavior. People who suffer from anger disorder are unable to control themselves, exploding with rage in a way which is often out of proportion to the event which triggered the anger.

Domestic violence is a particular form of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, because often these individuals only lose control within the context of a close interpersonal relationship. However, many of these individuals have a generalized anger management problem, but control it better outside their own home.

What are the treatments for anger offered at the R.E.A.D. Clinic?

All treatments at our clinic are based on evidence-based and best practice guidelines for the treatment of psychological disorders and difficulties. Based on these guidelines and your anxiety diagnosis your clinician will advise you as to whether your symptoms are best treated by:

Individual therapy – you will see a therapist in a one-on-one context for an average of around 6-12 sessions.
Group therapy – you will join a group of individuals with a similar diagnosis for approximately a 10 week program (CLICK HERE for more details on the group program).
A combination of both individual and group therapy.

How do I get assessed and allocated to the appropriate treatment program for me?

Once you have made an appointment (CLICK HERE to find out more about making an appointment) you will receive an initial assessment with one of our clinicians who will then decide with you on the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms and your personal preference.

Further Information