Aggression is defined as any behavior that is meant to cause harm to another person or that person’s belongings.  Violence is a physical action whose purpose is to cause injury or harm to another person.  Both can manifest in various ways when they are a pervading part of a person’s personality.  When a person can’t control their aggression and violent actions it becomes a problem that affects everyone around them.

Types

  • Physical: punching, kicking, slapping, throwing objects
  • Verbal: intentionally saying things that harm another person like insults or humiliating remarks

Causes

Anxiety can cause a person to feel like they need to act out and defend themselves, causing them to harm anyone standing in their way.  Anger is another closely related cause of aggression.  When a person can’t control or express their anger in safe and effective ways they may resort to violence.

Treatment

Treatment for aggression and violent outbursts can include anger management courses.  Anger management teaches that it’s ok to feel anger, but that there are safe and unsafe ways of expressing this emotion.  Learning safe and healthy ways to express anger or anxiety prevents a person from feeling like they need to lash out violently.  A psychotherapist will be able to look deep into a person’s history to find the roots of their aggressive behavior before helping them turn their violence into more productive means of expression.

We Can Help

Open Path’s therapists offer beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our therapists furnish a supportive environment, providing healthy outlooks and understanding.

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