Do you feel alone in your struggle to manage anger?

Has anger caused problems in your interpersonal relationships?

Do you crave connection with others struggling with anger management?

Have you tried individual anger management therapy but want more in-depth knowledge about managing anger?

Introducing Anger Management Group Therapy

At SMPsychotherapy and Counseling Services, we listen to client feedback. Our clients asked for more options for group therapy.

Our anger management group therapy will meet with Dr. Maxine Williams, MPCL, each week. The group will cover all the topics of traditional anger management therapy with the added bonus of camaraderie and community.

Group therapy provides opportunities to build community with others working to manage anger better. It’s time to stop letting anger ruin your relationships, impact your career, or damage your physical or mental health.

Who Benefits From Anger Management Group Therapy?

Uncontrolled anger often develops due to other mental health issues or an inability to handle emotional life events. If you feel overwhelming frustration and hopelessness, have low self-esteem, or struggle with shame and embarrassment, you may react in anger – even toward those you love.

Impulsive, angry behavior can negatively impact all areas of your life and make you feel even worse. Anger management therapy can help you stop this cycle.

This group is designed for men and women 18 and over who have or are currently experiencing:

• domestic violence,
• child abuse,
• Divorce,
• loss of a loved one,
• imprisonment,
• lost romantic or family relationships
• job loss or unemployment
• any other life event that triggers uncontrolled anger.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

The anger management group will follow a curriculum and meet each week for 12 weeks. There will be time for discussion, sharing, and questions as Dr. Williams guides the group. The group therapy model recognizes that we all experience many emotions. You may feel joy, sadness, or anger throughout your day and week. Anger management group therapy focuses on identifying emotions and triggers and developing strategies to manage them before they manage us.

Topics covered include:

• What is anger? Understanding fight or flight and how anger manifests in your body can help you identify angry thoughts and other warning signs.
• The link between anger and depression/anxiety. Anger issues are often a symptom of other mental health concerns. Why is that, and how can that help us manage anger?
• Emotional intelligence. How to identify your emotions, and what to do with each one you experience.
• Keeping your cool. How to handle anger effectively, including strategies like taking a timeout, or a brisk walk, to get out of the heat of the moment.
• Recognizing events that trigger anger, learn to prepare for them in advance.
• Learning how to talk about anger in a healthy way with loved ones or even co-workers.
• Breaking the habits of anger, including the creation of anger control plans.
• Relaxation techniques like deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation.
• Finding solutions to anger and steps to get back in control.
• Uncovering hidden anger and resentment and how it impacts relationships.
• Healing damaged relationships through conscious effort.
• Learning to let go of anger because not every problem has a solution.
• How to stop blaming.
• Not responding to anger with anger.

How can Anger Management Group Therapy Help Me?

Anger management therapy with a qualified mental health professional has many benefits. First, uncontrolled anger can impact your physical health. It can cause high blood pressure, lead to substance abuse, and impact your well-being in other ways. Learning to manage anger can help you avoid physical health problems caused by anger by lowering stress.

Anger management therapy can also help you build healthy relationships. The anger management skills you learn in group therapy can help you eliminate the anger problems that cause pain and suffering for your loved ones. Anger management therapy will better equip to help your children to learn to manage anger and other challenging emotions.

You’ll find greater success at work and school when you’re better at managing anger. Creating the professional life you want requires you to engage appropriately with people; if anger controls you, those interactions are difficult.

Your mental health will improve because you won’t be stuck in the spiral of anger, causing you to feel hopeless, which causes you to lash out angrily at others.

Meet Your Therapist: Dr. Maxine Williams, MPCL

Dr. Williams brings decades of experience to her group therapy settings. She’s worked in faith-based settings, with the prison population, people experiencing homelessness, couples going through a divorce, single parents, and families with a history of violence, trauma, and substance abuse. She uses her broad experience to create a welcoming, judgment-free space for you to learn, grow, and find healthier ways to manage anger. You can read more about Dr. Williams here.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering anger management group therapy, you likely have some questions. Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t answered here, call 203.800.9778 or send us an email.

How much does anger management therapy cost?

SMPsychotherapy accepts most insurance plans, so you’ll only be responsible for a small copay. For more information on the benefits of your specific plan, call your insurance provider or contact our office.

Do I have to speak at every session?

The benefit of group therapy is that there is plenty to learn, even on days you don’t feel like sharing your own story. Many people who enjoy group therapy start just listening but quickly find themselves called to share and connect with others.

Can I bring my partner to anger management group therapy?

While couples therapy can help you manage anger and eliminate resentment in your relationship, it’s best to do it in an individual setting. To learn more about couples therapy, click here.