Teenagers can manifest anger externally (through tantrums, destructiveness, hurting others, conduct problems, etc.) or internally (seen as depression, anxiety, self-destructiveness, or emotional detachment). Either form can be alarming, and can be disruptive to the teen's functioning at home, school, and in the community.

Anger reactions in some teenagers are quite frequent and troubling to parents and teachers who witness them. The teen's intense anger may erupt quickly and intensely in reaction to limit setting by adults, to teasing or to seemingly minor criticism by peers or adults.

Left untreated, anger problems can grow into serious mental health issues, lead to restrictive interventions at school, or provoke legal difficulties. Early and effective intervention can be a key element in preventing ongoing emotional distress and negative consequences.

Too much anger can be costly, both physically and emotionally. Most teens can use their anger in appropriate ways in some situations, and yet be ineffective in others.

A therapeutic focus on anger management seeks to:

• Normalize and treat anger from a practical and developmental perspective
• Identify the often hidden sources of anger, as well as stressors and triggers that maintain the cycle of anger
• Develop healthy behavioral & emotional redirection of feelings, rather than use "control" approaches that hinder emotional expression and recreate frustration
• Help parents model and reinforce successful use of positive anger coping skills

To learn more about how I work, visit my website at DrRandiFredricks.com or call .