At New Directions for Women, we understand that the psychology of anger plays an important role in chemical dependency and the recovery process. Many women feel angry at the situation in which they find themselves. They feel anger towards themselves for slipping into a pattern of abuse. They feel anger towards perpetrators of abuse against them. Finally, they feel anger towards the people who were supposed to help and support them. This is why we believe anger management is an integral part of the recovery process. At New Directions for Women we offer therapies designed for women to help them regain control of their own lives.
What Is Anger?
Anger is a form of aggression that we use to defend ourselves against perceived threats. This was perhaps best described by French psychoanalyst Jacques Lecan.
“When anything or anyone threatens us with the truth of our essential fragmentation, the quickest, easiest, and most common defense available—to hide the truth of our weakness and to give the illusion that we possess some sort of power—is aggression.” As such, anger is a natural emotion and it is one that can help to protect us. However, at times, anger is not beneficial and not constructive to our overall lives. At this point, anger starts to control us, and it can become a precursor to abuse rather than a protector from it.
What Is Anger Management?
Anger management is a form of therapy that is particularly beneficial for people who have frequent anger, high levels of anger or who are no longer able to control their anger.”Help for anger problems exists in the form of anger management programs which are coordinated interventions designed to help angry people learn and practice methods of bringing their anger under control.”
Anger can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are genetic. It is true that some people are simply born more irritable than others. However, environmental factors, and in particular physical abuse and chemical dependency, are two precursors that can lead to anger. Mostly because anger is the only method of self-defense left to the person who is dealing with these situations. This is why anger management is so important. If anger gets out of control it can make the situation worse.
Anger Management Techniques
There are numerous anger management techniques. It has been found that there are only three possible responses to anger. The first is to “bottle up” the emotion of anger. This is known to lead to an explosive outburst at some point. The second is to slowly release anger. This often means hurting people in the process. The final option is to manage anger appropriately. This is the best way to be able to stop feeling angry.”All emotions, including anger, consist of bodily states (such as physiological arousal) and mental meanings. To get rid of anger, you can work on either of those.”
Numerous techniques are employed during anger management therapy in order to allow a woman to get rid of her anger. We help women to access relaxation techniques in order to be better able to deal with flaring anger. Where necessary, we can also employ cognitive behavior therapy to change the thought processes that lead to an angry response. Other tools include problem solving, improving communication, using humor and, where needed, helping women to change their physical environment.
New Directions for Women is a treatment facility located in California that offers help to women, pregnant women, women with children and families who desire a similar result. Founded in 1977, our courageous and visionary founders asked for the help of Newport Beach Junior League members to fulfill their vision of a tranquil home-like facility that would treat women with dignity and respect. Our caring admissions counselors are available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you may have on getting help. Reach us by phone at 800-93-WOMEN. We can help. Stay in the loop with New Directions for Women by connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
