Anger Outbursts

Anger is not always negative and can be helpful in increasing motivation, triggering behavioral change or enhancing persistence through obstacles. However, getting easily irritated or losing control when feeling you are being treated poorly, are signs that anger may be an issue. Anger managed ineffectively, can lead to impulsive choices, relationship issues, conflict at work and increased anxiety and depression. When people get angry they often have guilt feelings about losing control. They may get angry about getting angry, leading to an increase in negative mood states. Anxiety and fear of failure can also lead to irritability and anger.

How I can help with angry outbursts

The first step in managing anger is identifying when you are experiencing it. I will help you identify the physical, behavioral, cognitive and emotional indicators that will assist you in recognizing your anger. Through mindfulness skills I will help you be more comfortable experiencing anger as you observe it more dispassionately and refrain from acting on it. I will teach you radical acceptance, which is a component of mindfulness. This will reduce the amount you replay angry narratives in your head. Although you will still feel angry the duration of the experience may be shorter and less intense. You will learn how to properly use your anger as a tool for change in a productive way.

Additionally, insight into self-esteem issues, or understanding how past psychological injuries may contribute to anger experiences can be valuable. Often people who are angry about an injustice may not be just responding to the current stressor. Rather, the stressor may link back to core issues that are also getting activated. I will help you gain insight into angry dynamics which will enhance your capacity to distance yourself from them. If your anger is connected to anxiety and fear I will help you learn how to manage the anxiety to offset frustration, irritability or anger

Passive Aggression

Passive aggression is the avoidance of expressing anger or frustration directly. Rather than yelling, screaming or expressing one’s dissatisfaction, passive aggression occurs indirectly. Avoidance of others, not responding to requests, being late, subtle underlying negative remarks or obstructing progress are some examples.

How I help with passive aggression

I will help you become more equipped at identifying passive aggression such as avoidance behaviors. You will learn how to express your frustrations diplomatically and reduce anxiety that may be connected with clear communication. Direct assertive expression, rather than suppression, may decrease uncontrolled emotional outbursts. Mindfulness skills to get in touch with underlying anger can mitigate the intensity and frequency of passive aggressive behaviors.

Relationship Aggression

Anger in relationships can be triggered because of feeling disrespected or unappreciated. A spouse who feels invalidated may experience feelings of rejection and retaliate with direct aggression or passive aggression. Furthermore, frustration with work, academics or rejection may lead you to displace frustration or blame significant others.

How I can help with relationship aggression

I will teach you how to get in touch with your compassion to offset frustration towards others. You will also be able to learn instances in which you may misinterpret the motives or intent of others leading to aggressive outbursts. By accurately perceiving others you will be less prone to lash out and perceive malicious intent where it doesn’t exist.