Anger Management

The Therapists and Psychologists at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are experienced in treating patients who struggle with anger, irritability and related symptoms. They offer both in-office and online therapy sessions for patients interested in this service, and they serve most states within the US via PSYPACT licensing.

What is Anger Managment?

Anger management refers to the ways that we handle our anger. Anger is a normal human emotion, but some individual’s anger manifests in unhealthy ways, which would necessitate treatment. Treatment (Anger Management Therapy) can be in the form of individual, group therapy, or both. Typically, anger management involves “CBT” or “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” a type of therapy that the providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates have been trained in. Working with a mental health provider trained in anger management techniques, can help individuals to recognize their emotions of anger, and help them to respond in an appropriate and healthy manner to triggers. Anger management may involve relaxation techniques, problem solving and communication skills and other modalities.

Isn’t Anger Normal?

Anger is a normal human emotion. However, the ways in which it manifests, and the behaviors that it may cause an individual to display, can be considered “normal” or “healthy,” or “abnormal” or “unhealthy.” If anger has manifested in ways that have jeopardized one’s personal life or occupational success, it’s likely that work to improve one’s response to anger, and coping skills to manage it, are reasonable.

If someone is reading this webpage, it’s likely that their anger (or loved one’s anger) has manifested in unhealthy ways that would benefit from anger management therapy.

Why Should I Treat my Anger?

Chronic difficulty with anger can increase one’s risk to health issues such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, increased risk for stroke, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Short term difficulty with anger can significantly impact one’s relationships, occupational stability and even increase risks for legal difficulties.

To completely oversimplify – If one finds themself hitting a wall after an argument, tailgating a driver who cuts them off, making hurtful comments to their loved ones during arguments, or telling off their boss at work during disagreements, they would likely benefit from our services.

Anger can not only affect the individual, but their loved ones. This may include family, friends, romantic partners and even one’s children. Responding appropriately to life’s stressors is an important part of any healthy relationship, and displaying a healthy response to emotions, is also an important way to teach your children how to manage life’s struggles.

What Should I Expect from Anger Management?

Your provider at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates will perform an thorough evaluation, to understand your personality, behaviors, life story (and any history of traumas) and also any underlying mental illness that may be affecting your symptoms. They will make recommendations based on their evaluation, which may include psychotherapy for your anger, medication management or both. If a patient’s therapist recommends medication management, patients may decide to work with another provider at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, or even with a provider outside of our practice. We will work to coordinate care and collaborate with that individual either way.

Are There Co-Occurring Disorders that Affect Anger?

Many individuals who struggle with their anger, have co-occurring mental health conditions that may be inadequately treated. Working with providers who understand not only anger, but also general mental health conditions and their treatment, may benefit the patient tremendously. Even if someone learns to recognize their anger, ways to effectively communicate it, and relaxation techniques to limit its display (and limit impact on one’s personal health), untreated psychiatric illness can prevent someone from reaching their best self, and from managing their anger optimally. Conditions that may affect one’s anger include:

• ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorders
• Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD)
• Personality Disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Depressive Disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Anxiety Disorders, such as Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Substance Use Disorders (such as alcohol, marijuana or other substance abuse disorders)
• And others

Why Schedule Anger Management with Rittenhouse?

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of academically oriented mental health providers. Our counselors for anger management are licensed therapists and doctoral level psychologists, and our prescribers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Most of our providers teach, or have taught at academic institutions, and all of our providers practice evidenced-based holistic psychiatric care.