The Mind Matters – Understanding Anger…
Elizabeth Peters, MA
Director, Access Department and Facilitator, Adult Anger Management Group
West Bergen Mental Healthcare
It is a survival skill. It is a signal that something is wrong. It is normal and healthy response to certain situations. It can motivate us to assert our rights. It lives and breaths in all of us. Anger is a universal human reaction to uncomfortable events, yet, it can be one of the most damaging of all emotions. It can destroy the lives of individuals and their families. It can cause physical and emotional destruction. It can lead to legal problems. Because it is rooted in human survival there is no way to completely rid oneself of anger but there a many ways in which unhealthy anger can be controlled. Unhealthy anger can be recognized by some of the following characteristics:
* Holding rigid rules and expectations about the behavior of others.
* Insisting that others don’t get in the way of you getting what you want.
* Assuming that you are right and others are wrong.
* Ignoring the feelings of others.
* Verbally or physically attacking other people.
* Venting anger to people who have nothing to do with the anger-provoking situation.
* Plotting revenge.
If you recognize any or all of these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about do not despair. There is help available. West Bergen Mental Healthcare offers psycho-educational support groups which teach Anger Management skills to children and adults. Such groups run for one night for six consecutive weeks and teach the following skills:
* Identifying what triggers your anger.
* Identifying distortions in your thinking.
* Relaxation techniques
* Managing road rage.
* Dealing with criticism.
* Tools for constructive self-expression.
Additionally, West Bergen offers a safe, nurturing and confidential environment which allows individuals to interact with other people who share their issues. The group environment provides a comfortable backdrop to helping people to see they are not alone. Through effective and caring treatment, masters-level therapists demonstrate alternative means for self-expression which aim to improve the functioning level of individuals and their families.
Please contact the Access Department of West Bergen Mental Healthcare at (201) 444-3500 to schedule an appointment.