Between sky-high inflation, a disappointing job market, politics, and the constant presence of social media reminding you of how much “better” everyone else’s lives are, life today isn’t easy. If you’ve felt more irritated or angry lately, it should come as no surprise. But that does not mean you have to settle for feeling upset or unhappy all the time. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you get a handle on anger so it no longer controls your day.
If you are interested in learning more about CBT techniques for anger management, reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. We offer various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, to help you achieve a greater sense of calm and balance. There is no need to continue to go through each day with a dark cloud over your head—give us a call today.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a widely used form of therapy that emphasizes identifying and changing distorted thought patterns that lead to unhelpful feelings and behaviors. The philosophy of CBT is that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected.
When you change your thoughts, it has a ripple effect on your feelings and behaviors. This can work both positively and negatively, depending on the thoughts you choose.
Since many people struggling with anger and other emotional distress often feel they are on autopilot and react quickly without thinking things through, CBT can be a helpful way to slow down and pay attention to your thoughts, then make any adjustments needed to improve the outcome.
What Are the Benefits of CBT for Anger?
So, how can CBT help with anger management? This therapeutic modality is especially helpful for managing anger because it can:
- Increase self-awareness – CBT helps you explore your thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your feelings of anger so that you can make positive changes.
- Improve emotional regulation – CBT teaches you how to identify and manage your emotions more effectively, which can help you regulate anger.
- Improve communication skills – CBT teaches you how to communicate more clearly and effectively so you can express your anger in a healthier way without turning to hostility or aggression.
The strategies you learn through cognitive-behavioral therapy can be applied to a wide range of situations, making it one of the most versatile and practical therapies for anger management.
Helpful CBT Techniques for Anger Management
If you are curious about trying cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger management, you might wish to know more about the techniques used. The following are a few CBT techniques for anger that you may learn in your therapy sessions:
Identifying Your Triggers
Everyone’s triggers are different, so one of the first techniques you may learn is recognizing what situations, words, or events may trigger anger in you. You have to become aware of your triggers before you can address them.
Restructuring Your Thoughts
Once you become aware of the distorted thoughts that contribute to feelings of anger, you can actively choose to replace the irrational thoughts with more beneficial ones.
Implementing Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Regularly incorporating mindfulness and relaxation exercises into your day is crucial in reducing anger. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and even cardio and weight training exercises can help release anger and calm your mind and body.
Improving Problem-Solving Skills
When you do not know how to handle a situation effectively, it can result in feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and anger. Learning more effective problem-solving skills can help you address contributors to anger and find more constructive solutions.
Call My 5 Palms Today to Enroll in CBT for Anger Management
The benefits of CBT for anger management go well beyond those mentioned. To experience firsthand how cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you get control of your anger and enjoy a more fulfilling life, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 or through our online form.
