Anger Management

Anger is a natural and normal emotion, but for some children, it can become overwhelming and difficult to control. Unmanaged anger can lead to outbursts, aggression, difficulties in relationships, and struggles in school or social settings. Shiva Movafaghian, a highly skilled psychotherapist, certified play therapist, and certified life coach with over 15 years of experience, specializes in helping children develop effective anger management skills. Her compassionate, child-centered approach combines evidence-based techniques with creative interventions, empowering children to understand and regulate their anger in healthy ways.

Shiva begins by creating a safe and supportive environment where children can explore the underlying causes of their anger. Children often feel misunderstood or ashamed of their anger, which can make them reluctant to discuss it. Shiva uses play therapy as a way to engage children and make them feel comfortable. Play therapy allows children to express their emotions and experiences non-verbally, using toys, art, or role-playing activities. By observing the child’s play, Shiva gains insights into the triggers and underlying emotions that fuel their anger, such as frustration, fear, or sadness. Understanding these root causes is crucial for developing a personalized anger management plan.

Emotional awareness is a key component of Shiva’s anger management therapy. Children often struggle to recognize and label their emotions, which can make it difficult to manage them effectively. Shiva uses age-appropriate activities to teach children how to identify and understand their feelings, both physical and emotional, before they escalate into anger. For example, she may use visual aids, such as an “emotion thermometer,” to help children gauge their emotional intensity and recognize when they are starting to feel upset. This awareness empowers children to intervene early and use coping strategies before their anger becomes overwhelming.

Shiva also introduces cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help children challenge unhelpful thoughts that contribute to their anger. Children may have distorted beliefs, such as “It’s not fair” or “People are always out to get me,” which can fuel feelings of injustice or hostility. Shiva guides children in reframing these thoughts and replacing them with more balanced and constructive perspectives. Through engaging activities and discussions, she helps children develop healthier ways of thinking, which can significantly reduce their anger and improve their emotional responses to challenging situations.

Coping strategies are essential for managing anger, and Shiva teaches children a variety of techniques to calm themselves when they feel anger rising. These strategies include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, counting to ten, or taking a “calm down” break in a designated safe space. Shiva ensures that these techniques are taught in a fun and memorable way, making it easier for children to practice them when needed. By mastering these skills, children learn how to regain control over their emotions and reduce the likelihood of angry outbursts.

Mindfulness and grounding techniques are also part of Shiva’s anger management program. Mindfulness helps children stay present and focused, rather than becoming consumed by anger or dwelling on past grievances. Shiva introduces simple mindfulness practices, such as paying attention to their breath or noticing their surroundings, to help children become more centered and less reactive. These exercises not only help children manage their anger but also promote overall emotional well-being and resilience.

Shiva recognizes that anger is often a secondary emotion that masks deeper feelings, such as sadness, fear, or hurt. She creates a safe space for children to explore and express these underlying emotions, using therapeutic techniques like art therapy or storytelling. By addressing these deeper issues, Shiva helps children process their feelings in a healthier way, reducing the intensity and frequency of angry outbursts. Her empathetic approach ensures that children feel understood and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

Parental involvement is a critical component of Shiva’s anger management program. She provides parent coaching to teach caregivers how to respond to their child’s anger in a constructive and supportive way. This includes strategies for setting clear and consistent boundaries, modeling healthy emotional regulation, and using positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior. Shiva also helps parents understand the impact of their own emotional reactions on their child, empowering them to create a calm and nurturing home environment. Family sessions may be included to improve communication and ensure that everyone is working together to support the child’s progress.

For children who experience anger in specific settings, such as school or social groups, Shiva collaborates with educators and other professionals to create a consistent and supportive approach across all environments. This may involve developing an individualized behavior plan or providing teachers with strategies to help the child manage anger constructively. By working collaboratively, Shiva ensures that the child receives comprehensive support that addresses their needs in all areas of life.

Shiva’s holistic and empathetic approach to anger management has helped many children learn to navigate their emotions and build healthier relationships. By teaching emotional awareness, coping strategies, and constructive ways to express feelings, she empowers children to take control of their anger and use it as a tool for self-growth rather than a source of conflict. Her dedication to creating a safe and engaging therapeutic experience has made a lasting impact on countless families, fostering greater emotional well-being and harmony.