Anger Counseling

In-person in Corvallis | Online therapy in Oregon

Lightning strikes across a dark, cloudy sky over a cityscape at night.

When Anger Takes Control

Anger can feel like a sudden storm—intense, overwhelming, and leaving destruction in its wake.

Perhaps someone finds themselves saying things they regret, watching relationships strain under the weight of heated moments, or feeling frustrated that their emotions seem to have a mind of their own. These reactions make complete sense when we consider that anger often serves as a protective response to deeper feelings of hurt, fear, or powerlessness.

Learning to work with anger—rather than against it—can transform it from a destructive force into a source of valuable information about our needs and boundaries.

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Anger Isn’t Inherently Problematic

It's a natural emotional response that signals when something important to us feels threatened or when our boundaries have been crossed. However, many people learned early in life that anger was either dangerous to express or the only emotion that felt powerful enough to protect them.

When someone's relationship with anger becomes unhealthy, it often shows up as:

  • Explosive outbursts that damage relationships and leave feelings of shame

  • Chronic irritability that colors daily interactions and creates tension

  • Suppressed anger that builds until it erupts unexpectedly

  • Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or sleep difficulties

  • Avoidance patterns that prevent authentic communication about needs

  • Self-criticism after angry episodes, creating cycles of guilt and frustration

Patterns like this are all too common and fortunately understandable. They often develop as adaptive responses to challenging circumstances, but they can increasingly fail to meet a person's more current and broader needs.

Struggling with anger? Let's talk.

My Approach to Working with Anger

I view anger as a natural and often protective emotion that carries important information about our needs, values, and boundaries. Working with anger in therapy means to explore what lies beneath the surface of these intense emotions and understanding the adaptive role anger has played in a person's life.

I work with clients to understand their struggles and support them in applying effective ways to mindfully reconnect to themselves. We explore the specific situations, thoughts, or memories that tend to spark angry reactions, discovering the underlying needs or values that feel threatened.

A significant part of the work involves learning to express needs, boundaries, and frustrations in ways that strengthen rather than damage relationships, while replacing harsh self-judgment with understanding and recognizing that anger often arises from caring deeply about something important.

Primary therapeutic approaches include:

  • Mindfulness-based techniques for developing present-moment awareness and emotional regulation

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anger

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for values-based living and psychological flexibility

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) for understanding different aspects of oneself and healing underlying wounds.

Many clients discover that as they develop a healthier relationship with their anger, they become more confident in expressing authentic needs and boundaries, less reactive to overwhelming situations, and better able to have difficult conversations without escalating into conflict.

These changes happen for people every day—meaningful and sustainable change is possible.

When anger feels overwhelming, support can help you find balance.

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Getting Started

Learning to work with anger takes time, and everyone's process unfolds differently.

What's most important is that change happens at a pace that feels right for you, with support that honors both the protective role anger has played and your capacity for growth.

  • We'll begin with a complimentary phone conversation where we can discuss your concerns and determine if therapy might be helpful for you. This gives you a chance to ask questions and get a sense of my approach in a low-pressure environment.

  • During our first session, we'll explore your history and current concerns at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This assessment helps me understand your unique experience and begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

  • Regular therapy sessions provide a consistent space to explore, process, and develop new tools and perspectives. Sessions are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly depending on individual needs and preferences.

    We'll work together to build your sense of safety and stability before gradually processing difficult experiences, always respecting your natural healing timeline.

Clear blue sky with scattered white clouds.

Build a healthier relationship with anger.

The explosive moments, the overwhelming frustration, the regret after losing control—these are signs of emotions trying to protect something important to you.

With support, that same protective energy can be channeled into clear communication, stronger boundaries, and relationships built on mutual respect.

Request a Consultation