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For an appointment, please call 281-494-4471. Anger Management What are the characteristics of a child who is having problems dealing with anger? Children who could benefit from therapy for excessive anger have repeated angry outburst that are out of proportion to the precipitating event. A child may respond with excessive yelling, swearing, crying, or use of verbally abusive language when efforts to meet desires or limits are set on behaviors. Some children have a pattern of frequent fighting, or acts of cruelty or violence toward people or animals, and/or destroying property when angry. There may be a history of passive-aggressive behaviors (e.g. forgetting, pretending not to listen, dawdling, procrastinating) to frustrate or annoy others. Children with excessive anger have underlying feelings of depression, anxiety, or insecurity that contribute to angry outbursts and aggressive behaviors. They may be suffering from undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or responding to a traumatic event. The first step in treating a child with excessive anger is to make an accurate diagnosis through examining the history of the behavior and psychological testing. These assessments will help to determine what factors are contributing to anger control problems. Therapeutic approaches include Play Therapy to work on underlying emotional issues. Parents will be helped to establish appropriate boundaries and consistency at home and to become proactive with their child’s school to work with teachers to establish behavior management strategies. Therapy will involve helping the child learn healthy ways of expressing their feelings and getting their needs met through the use of therapeutic games, activities, and books. Transferring new skills to home and school will involve collaboration with parents and teachers. |
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