You used to have a more approachable and cheerful demeanor, and your relationships with loved ones were strong. However, somewhere along the way, you started to struggle with managing your anger. You found yourself becoming increasingly reactive to the smallest things and feeling like your life was out of your control. As a result, you began to express yourself through anger and frustration, causing strain on your relationships.
Now, you feel like you're constantly on edge and living in a state of agitation. Your days might start off fine but quickly become frustrating as your anger takes hold. You're aware that there may be underlying issues contributing to your anger, but you're not sure how to identify them. You're also frustrated that your loved ones seem unable to handle your anger and avoid you when they sense it, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Although you're not sure if seeking help for your anger is necessary, you don't want it to continue driving away the people you care about.
Anger management
Anger Management Therapy in San Diego
At HOPE Therapy Group, our therapists help individuals, couples, and families in San Diego understand what is driving their anger and learn healthier ways to respond. Anger is a normal, human emotion. It becomes a problem when it starts to control your reactions, strain your relationships, and change how you feel about yourself.
Therapy gives you a safe, judgment-free space to slow down, look at what is happening underneath, and build the skills to respond in a way that reflects who you want to be.
In person in San Diego & Chula VistaOnline sessionsMost major insurance
Signs Your Anger May Be Affecting Your Life
You snap at small frustrations and often regret it afterward.
The people closest to you seem cautious around you or avoid you when you are upset.
Disagreements at home or at work escalate quickly into arguments.
You feel tense, irritable, or on edge for much of the day.
You hold your anger in until it comes out all at once.
Your anger has hurt your relationships, your work, or your sense of self.
If several of these sound familiar, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself. Talking with a therapist can help you understand where your anger comes from and what to do about it.
How Anger Management Therapy Works at HOPE
Your first visit is an assessment. Your therapist will get to know you, your history, and what led you to seek help, so you can decide together whether it is a good fit. From there, you will work together to:
Identify your triggers and the patterns in how you typically react.
Explore the emotions that sit underneath your anger, such as hurt, shame, or fear.
Practice calming strategies you can use in the moment when you feel triggered.
Build communication skills so you can express your needs without pushing people away.
Repair and strengthen the relationships that anger has strained.
Sessions are 50–60 minutes long. Most clients begin with weekly or every-other-week sessions, and you and your therapist will decide on the pace that works best for you.
Therapy Approaches We Use for Anger
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anger. Your therapist will tailor treatment to you.
Thoughts & habitsCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Notice the thoughts that fuel your anger and replace them with more balanced ones.
Learn about CBT
Past experiencesTrauma Therapy
When anger is connected to painful past experiences, address the roots so they no longer drive your reactions.
Learn about trauma therapy
ProcessingEMDR
Process difficult memories that may be keeping your nervous system on high alert.
Learn about EMDR
In-Person and Online Anger Management in San Diego
Meet with a therapist in person at one of our San Diego County offices, or connect from home. All sessions are by appointment only.
San Diego – Clairemont
5252 Balboa Ave., Ste 408
San Diego, CA 92117
San Diego – Rancho Bernardo
16516 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 330
San Diego, CA 92128
Chula Vista
900 Lane Ave., Ste 126
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Online Therapy
Meet by video from home or work and receive the same benefits as in-person therapy.
About online therapy
Who We Help With Anger
Anger affects more than one person. We offer support so the whole household can learn healthier ways to handle conflict and frustration.
Cost and Insurance
We accept the following plans, including coverage for military members and their families:
AetnaBlue Shield (Magellan)Blue Shield of CA (Commercial)Community Health GroupEvernorth (formerly Cigna)KaiserLyraMHNModern HealthOptum (formerly UHC)TRICARETriWest
If you have out-of-network benefits, we are happy to provide a superbill. Please verify your mental health benefits before your first appointment. See our current fees on our rates and insurance page.
Anger Management FAQs
Can a therapist help with anger issues?
Yes. A therapist can help you understand what triggers your anger, uncover the emotions underneath it, and practice skills for staying calm and communicating more effectively.
How many sessions of anger management will I need?
It depends on your goals and what is contributing to your anger. Sessions are 50–60 minutes, and most clients start with weekly or every-other-week sessions. Your therapist will check in with you about your progress along the way.
What is the best therapy for anger management?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common approaches for anger, but the best fit depends on you. If your anger is tied to past trauma, approaches like EMDR may also help. Your therapist will tailor treatment to your needs.
Do you offer online anger management therapy?
Yes. We offer telehealth sessions by video, so you can work with a therapist from home or work. In-person sessions are also available at our San Diego and Chula Vista offices.
Is anger management therapy covered by insurance?
Many plans cover therapy for anger. We accept a range of insurance plans, including TRICARE and TriWest, and can provide a superbill for out-of-network benefits. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans.
How can I help a loved one who struggles with anger?
Choose a calm moment to share your concern, focus on how their anger is affecting your relationship, and let them know therapy is a way to feel more in control, not a punishment. Couples and family therapy can also be a good place to work through it together.
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