Therapy for Anger Management & Emotional Problems
We have experience working with various emotional difficulties. Sometimes the problem appears to be one of having 'too much' emotion. For example, problems with anger management (impulsive anger), or feeling on the verge of tears or completely overwhelmed. In other cases, emotional problems can arise from there being 'not enough' emotion. For example, being unable to grieve the loss of a loved one, or feel an 'assertive energy' (healthy anger) when needed.
Emotions can vary considerably in their quality, experience, and expression. They may include feelings of sadness, fear, happiness, and anger. Emotions can be challenging since they do not operate by rules of logic and reason. Yet, the appropriate experience and expression of emotion is a key part of healthy human functioning.
The Value of Emotions
Moods and emotions orient us within the world. Some emotions seem to open us up to certain kinds of experiences. A felt sense of curiosity compels us to explore. Feelings of gratitude allows us to be more receptive to the environment and other people. Other emotions may close us off from experience. Feelings of shame can cause us to withdraw into ourselves. Feelings of depression can seem to throw us out of the world entirely.
Emotions can also motivate and 'move' us in particular ways. They can remind us of what matters, such that we can feel the significance. If we lack healthy access to emotions, we may thus lose our felt sense of meaning and purpose.
Emotions signal our emotional and interpersonal needs. The expression of sadness, for example, may signal a need for comfort and reassurance from others. This plays an important part in how we co-regulate our emotions through meaningful relationships, as explained by attachment theory.
It is important to note that emotions can also have layers. Anger, for example, is sometimes viewed as a secondary emotion. It often covers or conceals more vulnerable emotions such as feeling hurt, criticized, or neglected. Anger can thus be maladaptive if it is a reflexive response that prevents vulnerability with caring others. Yet anger can sometimes be adaptive in that it allows us to assert interpersonal boundaries when necessary. Ideally, we want to have access to a range of emotions (flexibility) without being overwhelmed by them (emotion regulation).
"The myth that emotions make us weak, is still prevalent today, especially among men. The reality is that emotional suppression makes us fragile and prevents us from developing true psychological strength."
Emotional difficulties can take many forms, including:
- An inability to experience or express various emotions
- Under- or over-expression of emotion
- Difficulty regulating emotions (anger management)
- Difficulty overcoming longstanding emotions related to past experiences
- Trouble navigating through 'layers' of feeling
- A loss of meaning or life passion
Therapy for Emotional Problems
Brad Peters has over 15+ years experience helping people understand and resolve a wide range of emotional difficulties. From overwhelming or impulsive emotions, such as difficulties with anger management, to problems of restricted access to feeling. He is well-versed in various theories and therapies to assess and address such issues, including: Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Existential-Phenomenological approaches.
Recommended Reading
Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication (Paul Ekman)
This book explores the roots of our emotions - including anger, fear, disgust, sadness, and happiness. Ekman shows how each of these emotions are expressed across our faces, providing clear signals for others. Readers will develop insight into the emotional reactions of others, while better identifying their own. With exercises, photographs, and concise descriptions, this book offers a truly unique way of making sense of emotions.
What Am I Feeling? (John Gottman)
This is a book that helps adults learn how to be more comfortable with their own feelings and having conversations with their kids about their own. Adults will learn how to identify their own parenting style. They will also learn how to "emotion coach" children to ensure optimal growth. Ample research shows that kids who can comfortably share their emotions form stronger friendships, do better in school, and are physically and mentally healthier. Suited for kids (8 & up) and adults.