Anger management therapy can include a host of different therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. Your therapist or psychologist will tailor any chosen therapy to your specific needs.

Anger is a common emotion that you may experience from time to time.

While anger itself isn’t necessarily harmful — and as a response to many situations is understandable — chronic (ongoing) and unmanaged anger can interfere with your overall health.

In severe cases, it may even harm your interpersonal relationships and career.

If you feel like you’re constantly angry and that your anger has taken over your life, it may be time to explore therapy.

In some cases, you may be dealing with someone in your life who is frequently angry. You may want to help your loved one with their unmanageable anger, while also helping yourself navigate your own emotions.

Therapy is an important part of an anger treatment plan. The overall goal of therapy is to help you learn strategies to help change your behaviors toward your triggers and manage anger in better ways when it comes up.

Anger management therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other individual or group therapy tailored to your specific needs.

Therapy can also help you if you have a family member or other loved one whose anger issues are affecting you.

Anger can be a result of pent-up or unresolved issues over time, trauma, or even a symptom of seemingly unrelated issues like depression. Anger may be a symptom in some mental health conditions, including:

When and how therapy can help with anger

Treatment can help if you’re finding anger management difficult. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of your anger, a mental health professional may recommend specific therapies. Sometimes these are combined with medications.

While not a cure for any mental health condition, therapy can improve quality of life by improving symptoms. You may also benefit from improved interpersonal relationships and communication with those your anger might affect.

While it’s usual for young children to have occasional temper tantrums and for teens to be irritable from time to time, frequent angry outbursts may indicate an underlying issue.

If you feel that your child has unmanaged anger, talk with their pediatrician as a first step. Depending on the situation, they may recommend a mental health evaluation before referring you to a therapist.

Therapy is a key component in treating chronic anger issues. Rather than suppressing your anger, the overall goal of therapy is to help you work through it so you can have a healthier, more balanced relationship with your emotions.

A mental health professional can make specific therapy recommendations based on both the severity of your anger as well as its underlying cause(s). You may also benefit from therapy if a loved one’s anger is affecting you.

Below are some of the most effective forms of therapy used to treat anger:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychotherapy technique used in a variety of mental health treatment programs. It works by helping you recognize what triggers your anger and identifying how you normally respond to such triggers. Once you recognize your patterns of triggers and responses, the therapist will work with you to make changes to reduce your anger.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: A therapist might recommend a technique called psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy is more focused on self-reflection. It works to reveal your unconscious motivations to alleviate inner tension.
  • Group therapy: The advantage of group therapy is that you’ll likely feel less alone throughout your treatment. It can also be helpful to hear about others’ coping strategies. Depending on your needs, some types of group therapies are family-based.
  • Play therapy: Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed specifically for young children. During these sessions, a licensed therapist will use creative forms of play to help children express their feelings and thoughts. Play may include using puppets, sandboxes, art, music, and more.
  • Ask friends: If possible, you might ask friends or family members for help with recommendations, or with setting up an initial consultation.
  • Talk with a healthcare professional: Your family doctor, nurse, pediatrician, or other healthcare professional is another possible source for recommendations.
  • Ask your child’s school counselor: Also, they may be able to provide a list of local therapists.
  • Search online: The American Psychological Association has a free locator tool for licensed psychologists in your area.

Here are some frequently asked questions about anger management.

Why do I get angry so easily?

Emotions such as grief, stress, or anxiety can make you feel frustrated and overwhelmed, which can lead to anger.

Difficult circumstances or family issues can potentially worsen these feelings and may cause you to feel misunderstood and out of control.

What is the root of my anger?

Everyone experiences anger in their own way, but for some people their anger can be caused by stress, grief, loneliness, or due to other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder.

How can I control my anger mentally?

Many different therapies are available to help manage your anger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommends anger management therapy which can involve cognitive restructuring, changing your environment, or learning and practicing assertive communication.

Have patience with the process. It can take time before you find the right therapist you feel comfortable with, and then some time on top of that to work with suggested techniques.

You’ll likely find that your efforts will pay off in terms of your overall well-being.