Does Anger Management Therapy Work?

Yes! Anger management therapy can be a very effective way to improve mood regulation and ease distress.

There are many forms of therapy that can be applied to anger management problems. Some of the most common are CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and group therapy.

With a licensed therapist to guide you, talk therapy can help you interrupt negative thought patterns, analyze and address the psychological roots underlying your anger, and work to build a stronger emotional foundation in your day to day life.

Let's explore what you can expect when you book an anger management therapy session, as well as the types of therapy your therapist may recommend.

Anger Management Therapy Resources on This Page:

Anger Management Therapy: What To Expect

Types of Anger Management Therapy

Effectiveness of Anger Management Therapy

Anger Management Therapy in Brooklyn: Williamsburg Therapy Group

Anger Management Therapy: What To Expect

Anger management problems have many potential causes.

For example, trauma can cause anger management issues by putting your body in a consistent state of fight or flight. This constant tension makes emotional regulation very difficult.

Stress, too, can cause angry outbursts and a short temper. Family problems or pressure at work can contribute to stress, which makes it harder for the brain to focus on cooling off.

Your experience with anger management therapy will depend on the underlying reason for your anger management problems.

Of course, many people who go to anger management therapy don't know exactly why they are having trouble containing their anger. That's okay - your therapist will start by working with you to find any underlying causes.

Once you and your therapist determine a potential reason behind your anger management concerns, they may alter your treatment plan to fit your specific case.

Let's go over some of the most common types of therapy used for anger management.

Types of Anger Management Therapy

Talk therapy is a term describing any kind of conversation-based therapy administered by a licensed professional. Within the field of talk therapy, there are hundreds of different methods, called modalities, that can be used for people of differing personality types, presenting issues, and preferred treatment methods.

Some of the most commonly used therapy modalities for anger management include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Group Therapy

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is usually the "go-to" for anger management therapy.

Utilizing a fairly stringent set of steps, CBT starts by identifying the thought patterns that contribute to anger management problems, and then uses a process called cognitive restructuring to develop healthier, more productive thought patterns.

By changing the way your brain thinks, you can learn how to better control your anger and, eventually, understand why you get angry in the first place.

Psychodynamic Therapy

While CBT focuses on changing one's present cognitive condition by restructuring thoughts, psychodynamic therapy focuses on the patient's past and how it affects their current mental state.

Anger management problems can often arise from unresolved trauma or underlying mental health conditions.

A psychodynamic therapist will work with you to find any potential reasons or contributing factors behind your anger, and then come up with a treatment plan to address them.

By addressing the underlying cause, many patients who attend psychodynamic therapy find long-lasting relief or even the elimination of symptoms.

Because psychodynamic therapy is arguably more subjective and in-depth compared to CBT, the rapport you have with your psychodynamic therapist is paramount. Don't be afraid to try a few therapists in order to find one you really trust.

Group Therapy

For many with anger management concerns, interpersonal relationships can be very difficult. Even after treatment by a licensed anger management therapist, it's very possible for a patient to continue having trouble making connections.

Group therapy can be a very effective way to learn how to incorporate mood regulation into the process of socializing. Group therapy is often recommended after, or alongside, one-on-one talk therapy. The other members of the group will have many of the same concerns, making it a great place to learn more about yours.

Group therapy can also act as a microcosmic representation of your personal life. Chances are, some people in the group will remind you of other people you know, giving you special insight into how you can relate more closely to friends and family members.

The Effectiveness of Anger Management Therapy

All told, anger management therapy works about 75% of the time. Specifically, 75% of people who go to therapy for anger management finish their course of sessions with significant and long-lasting improvements in their symptoms.

Here are some things you can do to maximize your chances of success in anger management therapy:

• Be patient when choosing a therapist. The most important part of choosing a therapist is ensuring that you trust them (or will be able to trust them) enough to be vulnerable in the therapy room. The more honest and authentic you can be during therapy, the more likely your therapist will be able to truly help.
• Find an office in a convenient location. Every year, thousands of people go to one therapy session and then quit. The most common reason for this is that life gets in the way. It's understandable: work, family life, and school often take up so much time that there is little left for self-care. Give yourself a better chance at sticking with it by finding a therapist's office that's easy to get to.
• Look into insurance or out-of-network reimbursement. Cost is another reason why many give up on therapy. Check to see if any potential therapists are covered by your insurance. Insurance coverage for health care is, unfortunately, usually limited, but many offices will work with your insurance or a third party to see if there is an option for out-of-network coverage.

Anger Management Therapy in Brooklyn: Williamsburg Therapy Group

If you're ready to start your journey towards stronger mental health and emotional regulation, our team of anger management therapists is ready to serve.

Every member of our staff is a doctoral-level therapist, giving you unprecedented access to some of the best mental health care in the country.

Our patient coordinator is ready to take your call and match you with the right therapist. Feeling better may be closer than you think.