Anger Management Counselling in Melbourne

​"Anybody can become angry - that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." - Aristotle
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Anger is one of our core human emotions that can range from mild irritation to full blown rage. Experiencing anger is normal, and in itself, anger is not a problem. However when anger starts to build up or is expressed in uncontrolled ways it can easily destroy our relationships and lead to all kinds of issues in our lives. 

Poorly managed anger can:

●  significantly impact the quality of our relationships
●  cause anxiety and depression
●  decrease our self-esteem
●   impact our performance at work
●  lead to violence and legal issues
●  lead to substance abuse
●   result in separation / divorce


What is Anger?

We all know what anger feels like ... a heated, impassioned state that can overtake us at times when we feel violated or when something doesn't go our way. But what is the true nature of anger, and what does it ask of us? How can we manage anger more skilfully in our daily lives?  

While anger is often demonised in our society because of its destructive aspects, anger is actually a beneficial emotion when we learn to relate to it well. Anger protects us, allows us to uphold our values, ensures we have healthy boundaries, and strengthens our sense of self. Without healthy expression of anger we lose vitality and our self esteem will suffer.
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"Stripped of physical imprisonment and violent reaction, anger is the purest form of care, the internal living flame of anger always illuminates what we belong to, what we wish to protect and what we are willing to hazard ourselves for.”
― David Whyte, poet and philosopher

What is the difference between anger and agression?

Contrary to popular opinion, anger is not the same as aggression. This confusion is actually why anger gets a bad name. Aggression is hostile or violent behaviour which stems from unresolved and poorly managed anger. Aggressive behaviour can actually be seen as an unconscious avoidance of anger. It is what we do with anger when we lack the skill and capacity to be in touch with our emotions. Whereas healthy anger can be an expression of care and an act of courage and vulnerability, aggression is devoid of compassion. Aggression is an easy way out. Being in touch with anger and expressing it skillfully is difficult and takes practice.

What are the benefits of anger management counselling

Anger management counselling can help you to better understand your anger and express it in healthy, constructive ways. 

Anger management therapy can:

●  help you to feel calmer and more in control of your anger, in any situation
●  protect and improve your relationships with family and friends
​●  support you to develop healthy boundaries 
●  reduce chronic feelings of agitation 
●  increase your enjoyment of everyday life
●  improve your physical health and reduce the possibility of chronic illness 

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What are the health impacts of unresolved anger?

Medical research shows that a chronic anger issue can take a significant toll on both our physical and mental wellbeing. Unmanaged anger can lead to a range of short and long term health problems including:

●  high blood pressure
●  heart attack and stroke
●  insomnia
​●  headaches
●  digestion issues
●  depression and anxiety

How to manage your anger in a healthy way

Firstly it's important to accept anger as a normal and healthy emotion. Anger impacts everyone and the better we learn to manage our anger, the more we can experience anger as a positive force in our lives. Since anger is a very visceral, physical emotion, basic somatic practices such as deep breathing, yoga, exercise, and mindfulness meditation can make a big difference in helping you learn to regulate your body's physiological response to feelings of anger.

Also simply talking to a close friend or family member you trust can alleviate some of the pressure you feel when anger starts to overtake your mind. You don't want to be holding your anger inside on your own. Taking time to reflect and pinpoint the source of anger is also an important step in anger management.