Anger
(and other strong emotions)
I understand that we do not always have the words to effectively express how we feel, so we resort to other means as a way to be heard. I understand that some of us may have been taught to only express anger and other overwhelming emotions in destructive and unproductive ways, adding to our own suffering. If you are seeking support for anger management and/or emotional regulation you may wish to see me to learn how to relate to your feelings in more constructive, healthier ways.
What is your perspective on anger and other strong emotions?

Anger is a normal and natural feeling that we all experience from time to time. It is one of our basic emotions that has helped us to survive and evolve. Sometimes our expression of anger can be very productive and useful. Other times, it can be very destructive and painful.
The same may be said for other strong - and at times, overwhelming - emotions. All of our emotions are valid (they are just giving us information about our experience); how we choose to express our emotion makes the difference.
Our society does not really teach us how to deal with strong emotions effectively, so when we try to express them in ways that we learned through our own development, we may find that, if our model for anger and other strong emotions was destructive and unhealthy, then our expression of these will look the same. This may result in an array of consequences ranging from legal and financial costs to inflicted pain and suffering upon others as well as our self.
As our expressions of certain feelings can become habitual and familiar, it can be difficult to break this destructive cycle. The cycle can be broken, however, by learning to change the relationship we have with these emotions, and interrupt the habitual patterns of behaviour. We can reduce the struggle we have with our feelings and learn how to lessen the control they have on us by learning how to relate to them in more constructive and productive ways.
How can you help me?

In a non-judgmental, non-coercive environment, you may opt for counselling or therapy to explore root causes of anger and other strong emotions, and develop skills to help express them less destructively. I also offer a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills program to individuals - a mindfulness-based therapy that is designed to treat self-destructive behaviours and is most effective in conjunction with individual therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Ego State Therapy are also effective treatment approaches that may be integrated into a therapeutic framework that is tailored uniquely for every individual. I meet you at whatever stage of change you are at and collaborate with you to make effective and realistic goals that meet your individualised needs so you may lead a life that is valued and meaningful.​​
Recommended anger management resources (click on the link below):

Australian Psychological Society: Managing Your Anger
Helpguide.org: Anger Management