SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZAnger Management Therapist in San Jose & Santa Cruz
Anger is an emotion encompassing irritability, resentment, frustration and agitation. It's usually a response to underlying feelings like hurt, fear, a sense of unfairness, or disrespect. These feelings trigger sympathetic nervous system arousal — the "fight, flight, or freeze" response — so the physiological processes of anxiety and anger are basically the same.
At a Glance
- Shares physiology with
- Anxiety (amygdala & limbic system activation)
- Can co-occur with
- Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorders
- Treated with
- CBT, EMDR, Meditation/Mindfulness
- Format
- In-person or telehealth
About Anger
Anger can have a positive role in physically or emotionally protecting ourselves or moving us to fight against injustice. However, in modern society, expressions of anger — whether verbal or physical — are most often at best counterproductive and at worst violent and destructive. Anger is a normal part of life and is not necessarily pathological, but it can be problematic when not controlled or expressed inappropriately.
What Are the Symptoms?
Recurrent behavioral outbursts representing a failure to control aggressive impulses — verbal or physical aggression occurring an average of twice weekly or more for 3 months, or three outbursts involving damage or physical assault within a 12-month period. The aggressiveness is grossly out of proportion to the provocation, is impulsive rather than premeditated, and causes marked distress or impairment in occupational or interpersonal functioning.
Anger and aggression can also be associated with Head Trauma, Alzheimer's disease, and Drug Abuse — and can show up as a symptom within Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or Adjustment Disorders.
How Can You Treat Anger Issues?
Anxiety Treatment Services provides integrative and comprehensive therapy for anger issues including individual therapy and group support. Modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Meditation/Mindfulness. We facilitate releasing anger by identifying and healing underlying emotional issues and negative beliefs that unconsciously fuel anger, and teach practical tools to relieve stress and calm the nervous system in any situation.
Anger management treatment is possible.