Anger Management Therapists for Kids and Teens

It can be difficult for kids and teens to manage anger. If they are having trouble controlling their anger, it can lead to problems at home, school, and with friends. If you are a parent of a child who is struggling with anger management, don’t worry—help is available!

Below, we discuss how anger management for young adults can help your child learn how to control their anger.

Causes of Anger Issues

Anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, some children have difficulty managing their anger, leading to disruptive and even violent behaviour. There are several potential causes of anger issues in children, such as:

• Bullying: Children who are constantly ridiculed or made to feel powerless may begin to bottle up their feelings and then lash out in anger as a way to regain a sense of control.
• Family Issues: Family issues can also contribute to anger problems in kids. Children who grow up in homes where there is a lot of fighting or conflict may learn to express their own emotions through anger.
• Trauma: Traumatic experiences such as abuse or the loss of a loved one can lead to long-term anger issues in children and teens.
• Mental Health Conditions: Certain mental health conditions like ADHD and anxiety can also make it difficult for children to control their emotions.

How Anger Management Is Used for Kids and Teens

There are different ways to manage anger, depending on the child’s age and needs, but the goal of kids anger management is always the same: to keep emotions from getting out of control and causing problems.

For Preschoolers

When preschoolers get angry, they may cry, lash out, or throw tantrums. While it is normal for young kids to experience anger from time to time, it is important that they learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way from an anger management counsellor. Otherwise, they may resort to destructive behaviours, such as hitting, kicking, or biting.

Anger management for preschoolers can involve a variety of techniques, such as deep breathing, counting to 10, and expressing feelings through art. Some younger children may benefit from a visual aid, such as a picture of a calm face, to help them understand what it looks like to be in control.

For Elementary-Aged Kids

Anger management therapy usually begins with helping the child identify his or her triggers. Once the triggers are identified, the child can start to learn how to cope with them in a more positive way. This might involve learning how to take deep breaths, counting to 10, or walking away from the situation.

In addition to coping mechanisms, kids also learn about the consequences of their actions when they act out in anger. This can help them to think twice before engaging in negative behaviors.

For Teens

If your teen is having difficulty managing their anger, there are a number of teen counselling services that can help. Cognitive behavioural therapy, for example, can teach your teen healthy ways to cope with their anger. Dialectical behavioural therapy may also be helpful in teaching your teen how to regulate their emotions. Other techniques that may be beneficial include relaxation training and stress management.

With the help of an anger management therapist, your teen can learn how to effectively manage their anger.

Contact the Anger Management Therapists at Family Matters Centre

If your child is struggling to cope with their anger, Family Matters Centre can help. Our child therapists in Burlington will work with your child to help them understand their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Through play therapy and other techniques, we can help your child learn how to express their anger in a constructive way.

If you’re looking for an anger management therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form below to request an appointment.