Anger Management

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

If you struggle with anger issues, you likely find it can be hard to slow down and think before you react. We understand the strong grip that anger can have on a person. Anger is a powerful emotion, one that is hard to control — especially when dealing with deep-rooted problems that cause anger issues in the first place. Though gaining control of your anger might feel impossible, Christian anger management counseling can help you slow down, work through strong emotions, react in ways that are healthy, and eventually let it go.

One out of five Americans has an anger management problem

Why Do People Get Angry?

If you struggle with anger, you might have some idea of the things that cause your anger — at least on the surface. Oftentimes, people with anger management problems feel their anger is reasonable or at least justified to a degree. Even if they know the reaction is too strong, they might blame outside sources for causing the anger in the first place. What many don’t realize is that for people with anger issues, the source of their anger is usually something from within rather than caused by the thing or person – the anger targets.

Causes of anger management issues include:

• Hidden pain – Uncontrolled anger is often caused by deep, hidden emotions and pain. For some people, anger results from feelings of fear, rejection, sadness, loneliness, abandonment or as a shield from feelings they are afraid to experience or show others.
• Difficulty expressing emotion – When a person reacts angrily, there are often other emotions beneath the surface. Some have a hard time expressing things like sadness, viewing it as weakness. This often starts at a young age when expressing negative emotions brought undesired results, causing serious anger issues later in life.
• Learned behavior – Many times, people with anger issues had caretakers who also had a problem with anger. When this happens, you might learn to deal with anger by screaming, name calling, or acting violently. Habits formed in childhood can be hard to break without professional help.
• Confusing assertiveness with anger – People with anger issues often have a difficult time expressing their needs and concerns. Some feel that reacting in anger is the best way to get the results they want, but usually angry outbursts have the opposite effect. Anger management counseling can teach you how to assert yourself in a healthy and productive way.
• Mental health disorders – Uncontrolled anger might be a symptom of certain mental health concerns like depression, addiction, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. If you have any of these problems, it can be very difficult to express anger constructively.

If you or someone you love struggles with anger management issues, it’s important to get help right away. Anger issues are dangerous for everyone involved and are often a sign of other problems that need to be dealt with.

When is Anger a Problem?

There can be serious consequences of uncontrolled anger. Anger issues can have lasting, serious effects on a person’s health, relationships, and connection with God. You might wonder, Do I have an anger management problem? If you aren’t sure, read on for common warning signs and symptoms of anger management issues.

Anger is a problem when it:

• Leads to bad behavior choices such as fits of yelling and verbal abuse.
• Contributes to aggression, violence, or self-harm.
• Causes a person to fall into social or legal problems.
• Alienates the angered person from others.
• Is used as a means of control or as a way of masking deeper issues. 

Symptoms of anger management issues include:

• Persistent feelings of frustration towards yourself and others.
• Difficulty enjoying life or the company of others.
• Quickly angered with a tendency to yell or argue.
• Physical signs include headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, pounding heart.

It can be hard to admit that you or someone you love has anger issues. At Seattle Christian Counseling, we admire those who seek help, and we are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome struggles that stem from issues with anger.

But now, set them all aside: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language out of your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

What does anger management mean? In a nutshell, the goal of Christian anger management counseling is to help you understand why you have a problem with anger while helping you learn how to manage and express strong emotions. Learning how to use your anger appropriately is very liberating and can make huge improvements in the quality of your life and relationships.

20% of people report ending a relationship because of the way a person acts when angry.

Does Anger Counseling Work?

At Seattle Christian Counseling, we have had the privilege of helping people overcome all kinds of issues. With years of experience and sound counseling methods, we are confident that our Christian anger management counselors can help you get the results you want. Our faith-based approach to wellness includes proven evidence-based anger management techniques and treatments along with tools that support and encourage your Christian beliefs such as prayer, bible study, and faith in Christ for healing and redemption.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. – Psalm 37:8

We all get angry at times. You might even recall that Jesus became angry and overthrew the tables of the money changers who overtook the temple. Sometimes anger is healthy and can be used to stand up for your rights or the rights of others. But, when anger is directed in a negative way that harms yourself or others, it might be time for professional help.

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adolescents have experienced an anger attack that involved threatening violence, destroying property or engaging in violence toward others.

What Happens in Anger Management Counseling?

Christian anger management counseling hopes to help you connect with God so you can learn how to express your emotions in a healthy way while learning bible-based principles for what it means to live a Christ-filled, temperate life. The teachings of Christ are of love and patience. He shows us how anger used inappropriately is akin to murder and that hating your brother is something we should not do. When we lash out at others using violence or harmful language, we are acting in ways that are contrary to these teachings.

The Christian journey can be difficult at times, especially when faced with behaviors that we know are against God. We are not here to make you feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help.

At Seattle Christian Counseling, we know how hard it can be to work through anger issues. That’s why we offer a compassionate, safe place for you to find healing and growth.

Christian Anger Management Counseling for Adults

Sometimes asking for help is the hardest part of anger management recovery. Our Christian counselors will do everything possible to help you feel supported while you work through tough issues.

Through Christian counseling, you can:

• Gain a better understanding of what triggers your anger.
• Find accountability for your anger and the effects it has your yourself and others.
• Heal from past wounds that your anger might be masking.
• Learn to acknowledge your anger and other emotions before they become out of hand.
• Learn how to calm yourself when angry.
• Discover ways of expressing anger in a healthy, constructive manner.
• Find forgiveness of self and others while building a relationship with Christ.

Imagine a life that is free from uncontrollable anger. We can help you find that peace and control, so you can work to rebuild relationships and continue to grow into all you are created to be. If anger is destroying your relationships, Christian marriage and couples counseling can help you work through these issues together.

Christian Anger Management Counseling for Children and Teens

If your child or teen has a problem with anger, we know how stressful that can be. There are many causes for anger issues in children and teens, and sometimes it can be hard for parents to know where the behavior and emotional problems are coming from. Christian counseling offers the insight and tools your child needs to live a healthy, Christ-filled life.

Our Christian counselors can help your child:

• Discover hidden causes of anger and find healing for those issues.
• Learn how to express all of their emotions, such as sadness, guilt, and frustration.
• Gain tools for calming intense emotions in a healthy manner.
• Work with other family members to create a safe, nurturing environment.
• Find unconditional love and peace through forming a relationship with Christ.

Learning to manage anger at a young age is very important for future social, academic, personal, and spiritual development. If your young one has a hard time with anger, it’s important to get help right away so they have a greater chance at building a healthy, fulfilling life. Click here to learn more about Christian counseling for children and teens.

Seattle Christian Counseling is dedicated to helping people build lives that are happy, healthy, and made whole through Christ. If you, your child, or your spouse needs help with anger management, our skilled Christian counselors have tools for lasting, positive change.

Are you ready to control your anger? Contact us today to schedule your risk-free initial session*.

To learn more about Christian anger management counseling or to schedule an appointment, contact us online  or give us a call at 206-388-3929.