Tempering your temper: Reining in anger before it controls you

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Anger is a natural emotion. People feel it all the time, often when they would rather not. Of course, like most emotions, anger should be expressed as other emotions should (indeed, the American Psychological Association emphasizes how doing otherwise is harmful). With this in mind, people ought to let anger pass, or divert or express it in positive ways.

This emotion, unpleasant as it may be, is a natural response to threats and irritants, and leads to many heightened (though sometimes negative) feelings and behaviors, which in some cases can allow people to take up arms and defend themselves. A little anger in one’s life, therefore, is necessary in survival situations.

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However, while psychologists point out the dangers of bottling up anger, expressing anger through aggression only serves to heighten feelings of anger and do nothing for the well-being of the angry person. Moreover, such a mentality is often used as a license to cause harm to others, and can be detrimental to the mental health of the aggressor in the long run. There is a reason why Christian philosophers have named uncontrolled anger—wrath—a cardinal sin.

While it is true that anger is natural and not necessarily harmful, acting on it is often against laws, mores and traditions, and common sense. People should make it a habit to discover ways to channel anger in less aggressive or destructive ways. This pamphlet from the American Psychological Association provides more information on the matter.

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Turn-About Ranch specializes in providing both traditional and nontraditional therapy methods for teens with issues on self-inflicted abuse, anger management, and the like. Visit this page for more information.

Harnessing the healing power of human-animal bond

Humans and animals share a powerful bond. Through the ages, this bond has been the source of solace and relief for people who suffer from physical or emotional pain. The healing power of this relationship is explored through what is known today as animal-assisted therapy.

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Animal-assisted therapy is a known preventive and interventive method which is held by the contribution of specially trained animals and professionals. The animals can be used to promote certain advancements in individuals receiving therapy, including the calming effect that positive animal interaction brings. Animal-assisted therapy is also seen as an important catalyst for therapist-patient bonding.

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Moreover, animal-assisted therapy has been especially effective with children. A slew of studies have shown that children have an innate fascination and curiosity toward animals, which makes it easier for a child to empathize and relate to an animal whose actions are simple and obvious, than with a human who exhibits more complex behaviors.

Although some do ask whether animal-assisted therapy can indeed initiate long-lasting improvements especially in mental health, what cannot be denied is that therapy does work with the aid of an animal. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy for humans with mental disorders have been well-documented using cats and dogs. Studies have also noted that therapy using farm animals have positive influences on self-efficacy and coping ability among patients with long-lasting psychiatric symptoms.

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The right kind of human-animal bond can bring forth powerful changes in a person’s life. This website explains how Turn-About Ranch in Utah employs equine therapy in helping troubled teens.