FIRST STEP MEN'S THERAPY

Anger Management Therapy for Men in Toronto, Ottawa and Virtually Across Canada

Supporting men and their partners

Services Available across Canada

Online & In-Person Sessions, Guaranteed No Waitlist

Accepted by most major insurance providers

Suivis/services thérapeutiques offerts en français

Does this sound like you...

✓ Do you find yourself losing control of your temper frequently?
✓ Is your anger causing problems in your relationships, work, or other areas of your life?
✓ Are you struggling to manage your anger on your own?
✓ Do people consider you to always be "an angry guy"?

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming and uncontrollable, it can have serious consequences.

first step mens therapy - anger management

Anger Issues in Men

If you are struggling with anger issues, anger management therapy may be the solution you need to regain control of your emotions and your life.

Anger issues often develop when one perceives that something has been taken away from them without their permission. Anger often takes two forms: healthy anger and toxic (unhealthy) anger. It can also range from mild in form to more aggressive, explosive anger that may lead to violence or outward aggression such as punching walls or hitting others.

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Anger issues are often misunderstood, particularly among men.

Anger often accompanies other emotions, including:

→ shame

→ sadness

→ regret

→ fear

→ powerlessness

→ despair

→ loss

→ hopelessness

Anger Issues Affect Many Canadians

Anger is a common emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, but for some people, it can be a persistent and overwhelming issue. Anger can manifest in different ways, such as explosive outbursts, constant irritability, or passive-aggressive behavior. It can be challenging to manage anger on your own, and seeking help can be a sign of strength.

In Canada, anger issues affect many individuals, and anger management therapy can help you learn to manage your emotions effectively.

Anger Management Therapy might be right for you if you experience…

✓ Explosive outbursts or rage

✓ Constant irritability or frustration

✓ Passive-aggressive behaviour or sarcasm

✓ Difficulty controlling impulses

✓ Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

✓ Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue

✓ Relationship problems, such as frequent arguments or conflicts

anger issues in men - deal with them at first step mens therapy

What Causes Anger Issues?

Excessive anger or rage can be caused by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here are some possible causes of excessive anger or rage:

Biological Factors:

Some people may be more prone to anger and rage due to their genetic makeup or brain chemistry. For example, research has shown that people with a certain variant of the MAOA gene may be more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour.

Psychological Factors:

Childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or trauma, can also contribute to excessive anger or rage later in life. People who have difficulty managing their emotions or have a history of impulsive behaviour may also be more prone to anger and rage.

Environmental Factors:

Environmental factors, such as stress, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, can also trigger anger and rage. People who have experienced significant losses or changes, such as the death of a loved one or a job loss, may also be more prone to anger and rage.

It's important to note that anger issues and rage can be complex struggles that may stem from a combination of these factors. Additionally, it's possible to experience anger or rage as a symptom of a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. In some cases, excessive anger or rage may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a brain injury or hormonal imbalance. It's important to seek professional help if you are struggling with excessive anger or rage.

How Can Anger Management Therapy Help?

Available in-person in Ottawa & Toronto plus online across Canada

Anger therapy is designed to help you identify and manage the underlying causes of your anger. By working with a trained therapist, you can learn how to recognize triggers, regulate your emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Anger therapy can help you break the cycle of angry outbursts and learn how to communicate more effectively in your relationships.

A knowledgeable therapist will help you to explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop healthier tools to better treat and manage anger moving forward.

There are many different types of anger therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Some common types of anger therapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. By recognizing and challenging negative beliefs, you can learn to cope with your symptoms in a healthier way.

Anger Management Therapy: Anger management therapy focuses on teaching you practical skills and strategies to manage your anger effectively. This may include relaxation techniques, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based therapy can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions. By learning to be present in the moment, you can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and develop greater resilience.

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We Specialize in Anger Management

When choosing an anger therapist, it's important to find someone who is trained and experienced in working with anger. Look for a therapist who has specialized training in anger therapy and who is familiar with evidence-based treatments for anger.

It's also important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. You may want to schedule an initial consultation with a potential therapist to get a sense of their approach and see if it feels like a good fit.

What to Expect in your First Anger Management Therapy Session

In the first therapy session, the therapist will meet the individual where they are in their struggle with anger. The therapist will seek to understand how anger is impacting the individual's life and explore their goals for therapy. Given that anger affects people in different ways, the therapist will customize their approach to meet the individual's unique needs and objectives.

It's important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with anger management and has specialized training in this area. Look for a therapist who uses evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, to help you manage your anger effectively.

In the first session, the therapist will work with you to understand the nature of your anger and its impact on your life. They will listen to your concerns and provide a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

During therapy sessions, the therapist may teach you various techniques and strategies to help manage your anger, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and communication skills. These techniques can help you identify triggers for your anger and learn to respond to them in a more constructive way. The therapist may also help you address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your anger, such as past traumas or relationship problems.

Strategies for Managing your Anger Issues

Healing from excessive anger takes time and effort, but with the right support and strategies, it is possible to develop greater emotional regulation skills and live a happier, healthier life.

Excessive anger can be a challenging emotion to manage, but with the right approach, it is possible to heal and learn healthier ways of expressing and processing anger.

Here are some strategies that may help...

Learn relaxation techniques:

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you calm down and manage your anger more effectively.

Anger Management Therapy Helps

One of the benefits of anger management therapy is that it can help you develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. You can learn to recognize early warning signs of anger and take steps to calm down before your anger escalates. This can lead to improved relationships with others, a greater sense of well-being, and improved overall functioning in your daily life.

It's important to remember that seeking help for anger management is a sign of strength, not weakness. By working with an experienced anger management therapist, you can develop the skills and confidence you need to manage your anger effectively and build healthier relationships.

Help is available - we’re accepting clients in-person in Ottawa & Toronto plus online across Canada!

We can help you overcome your anger issues and live a more enjoyable life.

If you're struggling with anger and it's affecting your daily life, it's time to seek help. At First Step Men's Therapy, we offer anger therapy treatment to help you work through your emotions and regain control. Our team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards self-discovery and healing.

Interested In Booking An Appointment?

Complete the form below and someone on our team will get back to you.

Still Have Questions About Anger Management Therapy?

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help improve and maintain one's mental health and face challenges both in the present and going forward.
Is a therapist covered by OHIP? How about my company's health insurance plan?

Unfortunately, OHIP does not currently cover the cost of psychotherapy services. Some insurance providers may cover the cost, however, you will have to check whether your insurance provider covers the designation (i.e. Registered Psychotherapist or Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker) prior to starting therapy to ensure coverage.
How long does each session last?

Each individual session lasts 50 minutes. We use the final 10 minutes to finish up our documentation such as case notes that are required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and when developing a tailored treatment plan to help guide us in our work.
I have insurance. Can you direct bill to my provider?

To keep things simple, we ask that you pay for our services first, then submit any claims directly to your own insurance provider. Check with your insurance providers to learn more about whether you are covered for services offered by your individual therapist's designation (i.e. Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, & Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist).
Do you have a physical location?

Yes, we have an office in Ottawa, Ontario located at Bank & Cooper in the heart of Centretown. Don't live in Ottawa? We offer online therapy options for individuals residing across Ontario. We have clients in Windsor, Kingston, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Niagara Falls - and everywhere in between!
I have never done therapy online. Is is safe? What can I expect?

Working with a therapist requires an environment that is safe, private, and secure. We use a telehealth platform that enables us to work together in such an environment. There is also an added layer of comfort for many clients, as you can meet us in the safety and privacy of your own space. We ask that you minimize any distractions prior to our session, such as silencing all cell phones and ensuring you have water or a pen/paper prior to joining the session.
Do you provide receipts?

Yes, we provide you with a .pdf receipt after each session to allow you to keep for your own records and, if needed, submit it for your insurance coverage or tax records (if applicable).
My partner isn't convinced he needs therapy. Can I book an appointment for him?

While understandable, we ask that the individual who requires our services make the first step and reach out to us directly. We are unable to book appointments from partners, friends, or family.
How many sessions will it take to feel better?

The answer depends on many factors/variables. Some individuals start to feel better quickly as a result of simply talking open and honestly about their concerns for the first time. However, deeper level change does take time. The longer you have been struggling with your concern the more therapy sessions you will most likely need. On average many clients do notice some progress within the first 2-3 months of therapy.
Is therapy confidential?

Your privacy and confidentiality are crucial. The information that you share will not be disclosed without your consent. There are some exceptions to this (required by Ontario law): You disclose information that indicates you or someone else is in imminent danger You disclose information about abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16 You disclose information about abuse by a health care professional You disclose information about the abuse or neglect of a senior The court subpoenas your records The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requests your records as part of an audit Before and throughout therapy, we will discuss these circumstances in detail and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
How is my personal health information stored?

Your personal health information is stored on a secure and private PIPEDA and PHIPA compliant electronic record management software, Jane Practice. PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act PHIPA: Personal Health Information Protection Act
I have some things I am not ready to talk about. Will I have to speak about them early on in therapy?

The short answer is no. You will never be forced to discuss something that you don’t feel comfortable disclosing. It can help to think of therapy like driving a car – you’re in the driver’s seat, the therapist is the passenger. A therapist can work with you to determine a better roadmap, but ultimately the decision to turn is yours. You can always discuss the pros and cons of discussing a certain topic with your therapist.
What will a 20-minute consultation help me with?

An important predictor of success in therapy is fit between client and therapist. While it will take you some time to develop trust, after this call you should have an idea of whether this is someone you’d like to work with. We will review basic questions that you have and determine if fees and appointment availability work for you. You do not have to make a decision during this call about proceeding with therapy. You can take your time, think about it, and reach out at a later time to schedule your appointment.
I am ready to get started. What's the process look like?

Once ready to book a first session, we will send you an intake form and informed consent form that outlines all the policies and procedures within the course of your therapeutic relationship (confidentiality, cancellation, fees etc). Once your form has been completed and signed, you will be ready to start your session. ** A valid credit card is required prior to starting your first session and throughout the therapeutic relationship.