Anger management has been the subject of controversy and comedy in the media. Anger is a normal human response. It becomes problematic when people have trouble controlling their behavior, and when they do things that hurt others or themselves. Anger can be incredibly productive, but it can also be terribly destructive.

Many people go to therapy once they recognize that they have a problem with anger. My patients consistently report that before therapy they worked hard to avoid angry outbursts, but to no avail. They feel tremendous guilt, remorse, and shame for things they've done in a rage. People also describe being very troubled by the idea that they have become an, ‘angry person,’ as if it has taken over their personality.

Addressing Anger Through Therapy

Psychoanalytic therapy does not simply train people to act differently. It is directed at getting one's emotional world under control. We investigate the causes of a person's anger to develop better internal methods for moderating emotional reactivity. This requires courage, honesty, and it takes some time.

Facing these kinds of troubles can be hard, but it is worthwhile. Patients usually find that their tendency for strong emotional responses can become useful, and work in their favor. People who take this problem seriously in therapy can become strong and confident in directing their emotional energy. When therapeutic change happens, people tend to realize that they are no longer chronically angry, and they no longer have to try to control their behavior.