If you experience frequent bouts of anger and rage that are difficult to control and cause problems in your life, I can help you to change by teaching you how to do the following:
- effectively recognize the bodily sensations and signs of anger
- mindfully modulate (turn down) the intensity of these sensations, and develop the capacity to stay present with yourself and others while you experience them
- consider, plan and make thoughtful decisions about constructive actions you can engage in with your feelings
- assess the impact of, and feedback from those actions
- modify your actions as necessary based on that feedback
- recognize the sensations and relational signs that your anger has been diffused and that your body has returned to a neutral, non-angry state
To schedule an appointment, please call (707) 585-2334
Everyone experiences anger. It is a natural emotion, which helps us to focus on, and work through threats in our daily lives. Many of us grew up in families or other situations wherein we could not successfully practice a safe way to feel and effectively use anger. As a result, we often experience anger at amplified levels that overwhelm our capacities to stay present with ourselves and behave in ways that we can be proud of. In session I will help you to learn how to identify, and practice paying attention to the sensations of anger as they manifest in your body. You will learn specific techniques to lower the intensity of the anger so that you can move down the amplification scale towards levels where reflection, choice and constructive action become possible.
Testimonial –
“I recently spent several months working with Don to address personal behaviors and issues that I thought I could just take care of on my own. After years of attempting self-control and saying I won’t do that again, I finally realized I was kidding myself. I needed help.
My initial contact with Don on the phone was warm and welcoming, but I was still nervous and embarrassed to meet with him and open up about my problems. From the very first minute of our first session together, Don made me feel comfortable and safe. I left our first session with tools that helped me make an immediate positive impact in my relationships with my teen-age children and myself. It wasn’t long before Don was able to have me seeing things differently. I learned that my struggles and issues were normal. He helped me understand that my relationships weren’t bad, rather it was how I interacted in those relationships that needed improvement. Working with Don over the next several months on understanding my relationships and helping me change the way I interacted in those relationships was an amazing time of transformation for me. Today I enjoy significantly improved relationships and have a whole new appreciation for the people I interact with. Don was able to provide several different methods and techniques that helped me achieve my goals.
While my work with Don on an individual basis was extremely effective, equally effective was my participation in Don’s men’s group. Facilitated by Don, the men’s group provided me an opportunity to meet and work with new people who shared similar problems and issues. Through this confidential group forum, we shared experiences and explored solutions to our common and individual concerns. As much as I valued my individual work with Don, I found the group experience to be complimentary and just as powerful, but in a different way. I was able to learn about other men’s issues and problems, and be an integral part of the validation process and helping find solutions to improve their lives. During the process I was able to relate my own experiences and concerns to those of other men in the group, so I was always able to take away bits and pieces that helped me in my own struggles.
Finding Don and working with him both on an individual and group basis has opened up my life to having more fulfilling relationships with family and friends. My only regret about my time with Don is that I did not seek his help sooner.”
— Ted M.