In the early 70’s Aaron T. Beck, M.D, a psychiatrist, developed an anger management therapy to treat patients suffering from behavioral problems. Initially this therapy was called Cognitive Therapy but now it is known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. For many years Beck helped his patients by using his knowledge of psychiatry for their treatment. However, he found that there was slow progress in the patient’s condition. Wanting to have a more intense approach to the therapy, Beck relied on his experience to find a solution to the issue. He realized that negative feelings are formed during the thought processes of an individual, which led to a change in emotions and thereby behavioral patterns. He analyzed that if a person can be treated at this stage, by helping them change their manner of thinking, it could bring about a marked change in their behavior. This idea formed the basis of CBT.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a relatively fast method of treating patients for anger management. It encourages an individual to make a change in their way of thinking. A person’s response to any situation depends on the way he perceives it. Negative feelings will very often lead to stress and anger in an individual. CBT endeavors to prevent these problems by trying to teach the patient to be positive in their thinking. It uses strategies like assertiveness training and relaxation techniques to provide relief to the patients and has proved to be a highly effective tool for psychological treatment. Many psychologists use CBT to treat their patients and are satisfied with the progress they are making. There is plenty of literature available on the subject and training is provided to those who wish to specialize in the field of anger management therapy.
Persons suffering from anger-related issues very often refuse to accept the fact that they need therapy. It is perceived to be a sign of weakness and they do not want to admit that there is a problem. Contrary to this belief however, it can be said that persons seeking anger management therapy are strong-willed and determined to get help in making a change in their lives. The first step in anger management therapy is when the person admits he needs therapy and willing to take steps to overcome the problem. The next step is to find a good therapist who puts them at ease. The relationship between a patient and his therapist is a very important one. Having a trusting relationship with the therapist is vital to the treatment of psychological problems.
The patient should be able to share his emotions with the therapist. He must be able to communicate his thoughts, aspirations and more importantly, the negative feelings he has towards any circumstances. It is through trust and sharing of thoughts that a person begins to discover himself. The relationship between the individual and his therapist provides a safety zone, where they are free to discuss their inhibitions and innermost fears, thus helping the treatment.
Choosing to undergo Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Anger Management Therapy is a big step and it requires the encouragement and loving support from family members and friends. With the support of family and friends, those striving to work at their anger related issues will definitely achieve their goal.

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