Dr John Ashworth
Psychotherapy & Counselling
Anger Management Therapy in Bristol & South Gloucestershire
Anger Management Therapy in Bristol
Dr John Ashworth
Psychotherapy and counselling to help manage anger
Many people experience difficulties managing feelings of anger and (or) frustration. Some people understand their anger to be caused by a single or series of events, whilst others consider it to be an intrinsic part of their character/way of being. However one understands the onset/nature of their anger, it can be, and often is, expressed in a problematic way that leads to difficulties within familial, wider, and professional relationships.
It is not unusual that people who struggle with this emotion also exhibit controlling behaviour. This may come in the form of intimidation, manipulation or other adverse ways of being. The impact upon others can be widespread and devastating. However, as well as impacting upon others anger can also be a private, and sometimes self-destructive experience.
I have many years experience of working with people who struggle with anger management. Whilst at the Everyman Project (a charitable organisation for people wishing to cease abusive behaviour) I delivered tailored one-to-one counselling sessions that equipped clients to manage their anger in practical ways as well as resolve underlying issues that trigger angry responses. For the NHS I set up a psychotherapy and counselling service in a forensic setting that was focused on reducing conflict and anger management.
The role of counselling is not to eradicate anger, it is after all it is a normal and healthy emotion. Anger therapy aims to give you control over your anger so that it is does not come out in destructive ways that damage relationships and lead to alienation. It provides the opportunity to help really understand and resolve what has led to your angry way of being. It can be both liberating and empowering to realise that you can cope with the stress and strains of life without having to resort to angry outbursts.
I now provide anger management therapy in Bristol and South Gloucestershire in private and hospital settings. Face-to-face sessions have resumed following an easing of the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions.
See my Anger Therapy page for a clearer understanding of how I work with people who wish to gain more control and understanding of their anger, or visit my other website: drjohnashworth.co.uk for information about the wider psychotherapy and counselling service that I can offer.
“Our true identity is a process, not a substantive thing. Thus we are continually changing. The effort to remain unchanging is crippling and results in a smaller life.” - James F. T. Bugental, 1990
Anger Therapy
I have worked with people experiencing anger management difficulties in a variety of settings (charitable and public sector). Drawing on these placements I have developed a tailored psychotherapeutic programme to help clients manage anger, understand its impact, and resolve its underlying causes.
On a practical level I help clients to avoid any unwanted angry outbursts by identifying their warning signs (such as a tensed body part or an increased heart rate), and then provide strategies to prevent warning signs from escalating to anger. Strategies can include; ‘Time Out' (a constructive way to remove oneself from confrontation), or grounding and breathing techniques to reduce the likelihood of conflict.
On a deeper level I encourage clients to explore the triggers for their anger. In this way the therapy moves from a behavioural to an analytic enquiry. The benefit of working this way is that clients have the opportunity to resolve the issues that underpin their anger, as well as practical strategies to address anger as it occurs.
Background & Experience
I originally trained as an Existential Psychotherapist, and later went onto complete a doctoral programme in counselling psychology. My practice could be described as integrative. I draw on a range psychological models including the Existential, Cognitive Behavioural, Person-Centred and Analytic models of therapy. I am also a fully trained clinical supervisor, group facilitator as well as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. My broad knowledge of theoretical models enables me to consider and deliver the most appropriate clinical interventions for people experiencing anger management difficulties.
My time is now spent between Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Monmouth neuropsychological services and private practice.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) BST Dip, DC Hyp, PG Dip ExPsych, DCPsych.
Registration
I am a United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) registered psychotherapist, a British Psychological Society (BPS) registered chartered psychologist, and a member of the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). More information about these governing bodies can be found by clicking on the logos below.
Sessions & Location
I practise from a secure, safe, home environment in Tockington, a small village in north Bristol (20 minute drive from the city centre). Tockington is in the county of South Gloucestershire, just north of the M4/M5 interchange.
There is plenty of free on street parking available for clients to use.
Session length is 50 minutes.
Get in Touch
To book an appointment, or to simply find out more about the service I offer, please call me on 0771 2183772 or email me at therapy@drjohnashworth.co.uk
If unavailable I endeavour to return voicemails or emails within 24 hours.
As well as face-to-face appointments I also offer sessions via the online platform Zoom, as well as over the telephone for those who prefer.