According to the American Psychological Association (APA), anger is often an emotion that occurs with a variety of psychological issues or disorders. Individuals with anger issues may struggle with anxiety, depression, or in some cases substance abuse issues. The APA suggests that psychotherapy can be critical for the development of effective anger management skills. Individuals who are seeking effective anger management counseling should obtain referrals for therapists and consult with several clinicians prior to selecting a therapist.
Step 1
Request referrals for local therapists who have expertise in the treatment of mood disorders and anger management. The Mayo Clinic notes that people can often request referrals for qualified therapists from a primary care doctor, a trusted friend or family member, or even a member of the clergy or spiritual leader. Associations such as The APA and Mental Health America also offer referral services. Attempt to talk to several therapists by phone and ask about their fees and expertise.
Step 2
Set one or two appointments for an initial consultation. Professionals at Mental Health America note that therapists often offer initial consultations to discuss treatment needs and logistical information with a potential client. Clients should prepare for these consultations by writing down any specific questions or concerns. It is often important, for example, to note whether a therapist accepts insurance. You may also get a brief overview of how they treat anger issues.
Step 3
Select a therapist and set a regularly scheduled appointment. The Mayo Clinic notes that it is important to discuss all of the logistical aspects of therapy, such as times, office locations, and cancellation policies. It is also important that the client discuss a general time-line for the therapy at the outset of treatment. It can be helpful to have a consistent weekly meeting time with a therapist as opposed to changing the time from week to week.
Things You'll Need
- Referrals for therapists
- Reading materials about anger management techniques
