Anger as a Habit

Anger as a Habitual Response

Not only is the expression of anger learned, but it can become a routine, familiar, and predictable response to a variety of situations. When anger is displayed frequently and aggressively, it can become a maladaptive habit because it results in negative consequences. Habits, by definition, are performed over and over again, without thinking. People with anger management problems often resort to aggressive displays of anger to solve their problems, without thinking about the negative consequences they may suffer or the debilitating effects it may have on the people around them.

This anger management program is an educational presentation and discussion format. The intent is to teach a better understanding of anger, and skills to better manage this emotion.

Most people attend anger management because their inability to better manage it and themselves has created conflict with life partners, family members, employment situations, and commonly enough, the law. Some people have just become worn out with fighting within themselves, and fighting against the world.

For many who attend anger management, it is perhaps a matter of not having learned the skills necessary to better cope with conflict. This program will help you learn more constructive thought patterns and skills.

 For others, anger emerges from long-term conflicts and behaviour patterns. In many cases, these conflicts and behaviours are passed down in a family from one generation to the next. These can be deep issues and while it is necessary to learn and practice the skills of anger management, do consider seeing a counsellor or therapist to help you identify, manage and resolve your hurts and conflicts. 

It is up to you to put what you will learn into practice.  If you want things to change, you have to change things. This always begins by changing yourself, that is, your attitudes, the demands you make of yourself and others, developing new skills, and your pattern of interacting with others.