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Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) · Virtual & phone session across Ontario · Free 15-min consultation · Direct billing for select insurance providers ·
SOUND FAMILIAR?
When anger shows up before you can stop it
Someone cuts you off. A plan falls through. Your partner says something in that tone. Before you've had a chance to think, your voice is raised, the door has slammed or the message is sent. Once it passes, there's often guilt, embarrassment, and a nagging worry about what it's doing to the people you care about.
Anger itself isn't the problem. It's a normal emotion, and it often signals that something matters to you. But when it arrives too fast, hits too hard, or lingers long after the moment, it starts to cost you. Therapy can help you understand your anger and respond in ways that feel more like the person you want to be.
"Am I responding to what's happening right now – or to what my nervous system believes is happening?"
FROM OUR BLOG · Why We Say Things We Regret When We're Upset
HOW IT CAN SHOW UP
How anger can show up
Anger looks different for everyone. Some of these may feel familiar.
Quick to flare
Going from calm to furious in seconds, snapping over small things, a surge of heat or tension before you can think.
Slow to let go
Replaying arguments for hours or days, holding onto resentment, feeling irritable and on edge much of the time.
At home & at work
Conflict that escalates quickly, sharp emails, or holding it together all day and letting it out later.
The aftermath
Guilt, shame and apologies, followed by a promise to yourself that next time will be different.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ANGER
WHAT SHOWS
Anger
WHAT'S OFTEN UNDERNEATH
Hurt
Fear
Embarrassment
Feeling disrespected
Feeling unheard
Feeling powerless
Anger as a signal
Anger is often protective: a fast response that covers something more vulnerable underneath, like hurt, fear, embarrassment, or feeling disrespected, unheard or powerless. Because anger feels stronger than those feelings, it's often easier to reach for.
Listening to anger, rather than just trying to shut it down, often reveals what it's pointing to: a boundary that's been crossed, a need that isn't being met, or an old wound being pressed on.
IT MAY BE POINTING TO
A boundary that's been crossed
IT MAY BE POINTING TO
A need that isn't being met
IT MAY BE POINTING TO
An old wound being pressed on
OUR APPROACH
How individual therapy can help
Most of the damage anger does happens in the first few seconds. We practise noticing your early warning signs, like a clenched jaw or a hot face, and pairing them with a quick way to step back. Then we build on it with:
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Spotting the thoughts that pour fuel on anger, like “they did that on purpose,” and finding more balanced alternatives.
DBT SKILLS
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Calming your body quickly, riding out urges without acting on them, and expressing needs assertively, not aggressively.
REPAIR
Coming back after conflict
Ways to repair after an argument that rebuild trust rather than repeat the cycle.
Is this an anger management course?
No. This is individual psychotherapy tailored to you, not a structured course or certificate program. If a court, employer or organization has asked you to complete a specific program, check whether individual therapy meets their requirements before booking.
YOUR THERAPIST
Lilian Sakr, Registered Psychotherapist
Lilian works with anger, irritability and work-related stress, helping you understand the triggers and feelings that sit underneath strong reactions. She draws on CBT, mindfulness and acceptance-based skills to help you pause, respond with more choice and repair after conflict.
CBT · ACT · Mindfulness · Compassion-focused
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Getting started with Atria
Virtual across Ontario
Sessions take place online through Jane, our secure booking and video platform, from anywhere you have privacy in Ontario. Phone sessions are also available.
Fees
Individual sessions are $150 for a 50-minute session. Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist; check you plans for details.
Free 15-min consults.
A short, no-pressure call to talk about what's bringing you in, ask questions, and see whether working together feels like a fit.
Not a crisis service
If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department. See our crisis resources.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
Providing virtual therapy and counselling services to clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmondhill, Markham, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding communities.