Anger Management

Anger Management Support: Court-Ordered & Self-Referred Services

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes unmanageable, it can lead to destructive behavior and strained relationships. At Nancy Spears Counseling Services, we specialize in Anger Management (Court-Ordered and self-referred), providing tailored support to help you regain control and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re mandated by the court to attend anger management sessions or seek help independently, our expert therapist, Nancy Spears, LMFT, offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies to address your unique challenges.

Anger management is a therapeutic process designed to help individuals recognize their anger triggers, develop healthy ways to express it, and learn techniques to diffuse potentially volatile situations. Whether court-ordered or self-referred, anger management aims to enhance emotional regulation and improve personal and professional relationships.

Unmanaged anger can lead to severe consequences, including legal troubles, strained relationships, and health issues. Understanding anger management and committing to the process is crucial for anyone struggling with this powerful emotion.

Understanding Anger Management

Anger management is the process of learning to recognize the signs of becoming angry and taking steps to calm down and deal with the situation positively and constructively. It involves strategies to help a person manage their anger, control their emotional responses, and express their feelings in healthier ways. The primary goals of anger management are to:

  • Reduce the emotional and physical arousal that anger causes.
  • Learn constructive ways to express feelings.
  • Prevent anger from escalating into aggressive or destructive behavior.


Various factors, including stress, frustration, and perceived threats, can trigger anger. Some common triggers include:

  • Traffic jams
  • Work-related stress
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Financial difficulties
  • Perceived disrespect or unfair treatment

When anger is not managed effectively, it can result in:

  • Physical aggression
  • Verbal outbursts
  • Damaged relationships
  • Legal issues
  • Health problems like high blood pressure and anxiety


Effective anger management helps individuals manage their emotions and enhances their relationships. By learning to communicate more effectively and controlling emotional responses, individuals can build healthier, more fulfilling relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Court-Ordered Anger Management Services

A judge typically mandates court-ordered anger management as part of a legal ruling. This requirement often arises in cases where an individual’s anger has led to criminal behavior or domestic issues. The primary aim of this intervention is to prevent future incidents and promote safer, more controlled behavior. 

To comply with court orders, individuals must complete several anger management sessions, usually within a set timeframe. The court strictly monitors compliance with these orders, and failure to complete the program can result in further legal consequences, such as fines, extended probation, or even incarceration.

Court-ordered anger management may be required in various situations, including:

  • Domestic Violence Cases: When anger leads to physical or emotional abuse within a household, the court may mandate anger management to protect the victims and reduce the risk of future violence.
  • Assault Charges: Individuals involved in physical altercations or threatening behavior may be required to undergo anger management to address the underlying issues contributing to their aggressive actions.
  • Child Custody Disputes: In high-conflict custody cases, anger management can help parents manage their emotions, ensuring a safer and more stable environment for the child.
  • Divorce Proceedings: Anger management may be required in divorce cases where intense emotions could lead to harmful behavior or decision-making, mainly when the well-being of children is at stake.
  • Workplace Harassment Cases: When anger manifests as harassment or inappropriate behavior in the workplace, anger management can be a condition for continued employment or part of the legal resolution of the case.

Self-Referred Anger Management Services

Self-referred anger management is for individuals who recognize the need to address their anger issues without any legal mandate. These individuals may seek help to improve their relationships, reduce stress, or live more peacefully.

Choosing to seek help voluntarily offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Greater personal insight and emotional growth
  • Improved relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Enhanced communication skills
  • Better overall mental and physical health


Individuals may self-refer for anger management in various scenarios, such as:

  • Persistent conflicts in personal relationships
  • Workplace stress and conflicts
  • Difficulty controlling anger during parenting
  • Struggles with road rage
  • Challenges in managing anger after a significant life change

Our Approach to Anger Management

At Nancy Spears Counseling Services, we employ a variety of therapeutic methods to address anger management, including:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns that lead to anger.
  • Mindfulness Techniques: Promotes self-awareness and emotional regulation.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines mindfulness with emotional regulation strategies.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Teaches deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization to manage stress and anger.


We believe that every individual’s experience with anger is unique. Therefore, our approach includes:

  • A thorough initial assessment to understand the root causes of your anger.
  • Development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
  • Regular evaluations and adjustments to the treatment plan to ensure optimal progress.


We offer both group sessions and individual counseling to accommodate different needs:

  • Individual Counseling: Offers a private setting for more personalized guidance and intensive work on anger issues.

Benefits of Anger Management Support

Participating in anger management therapy offers numerous emotional benefits, including:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved emotional regulation and self-control
  • Enhanced self-esteem and confidence


By managing your anger effectively, you can enjoy several social benefits, such as:

  • Better relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
  • Improved communication skills
  • Increased empathy and understanding in social interactions


For those required to attend by the court, anger management offers significant legal benefits, including:

  • Fulfilling court obligations and avoiding legal penalties
  • Reducing the likelihood of future legal issues related to anger
  • Demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and rehabilitation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You’re not alone if you have questions about the differences between court-ordered and self-referred anger management services or what to expect from the program. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help clarify your concerns:

What is the difference between court-ordered and self-referred anger management?

The court mandates Court-ordered anger management, while individuals who recognize the need for support voluntarily seek self-referred anger management.

The length of the program varies depending on individual needs and legal requirements. Typically, programs range from 8 to 26 weeks.

Failure to complete the program can result in further legal consequences, including fines, extended probation, or incarceration.

 
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Getting Started with Anger Management

Getting started with anger management at Nancy Spears Counseling Services is simple:

  1. Contact Our Office: Reach out via phone or our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation.
  2. Initial Assessment: Attend your first session to assess your needs comprehensively.
  3. Begin Your Program: Start attending your personalized anger management sessions.


Your first session will involve a detailed assessment, during which Nancy Spears, LMFT, will discuss your challenges, triggers, and goals. This session will set the foundation for your personalized treatment plan.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with Nancy Spears Counseling Services at (629) 265-1680 or visit our office at 1535 W Northfield Blvd STE 3, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA. We also offer online scheduling.

Start Your Journey with Anger Management Today

Addressing anger issues, whether court-ordered or self-referred, is crucial for personal growth, legal compliance, and healthier relationships. At Nancy Spears Counseling Services, we are committed to helping you manage your anger effectively and regain control of your life. Don’t let anger dictate your actions—take the first step toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life today.

Contact us to learn more about our Anger Management (Court-Ordered & Self-Referred) services and to schedule your first session with Nancy Spears, LMFT. Your journey to better emotional health begins here.