We had a 60-minute session today, and the client discussed ongoing frustrations with their partner. They said, "I get so angry over small things, and it’s like I can’t control it," explaining how quickly their anger escalates in certain situations. We explored the underlying triggers of their anger, which often stemmed from feeling unheard or dismissed by their partner. Client expressed frustration over their inability to communicate their feelings effectively without resorting to anger. We discussed the importance of finding healthier ways to express emotions and how to approach their partner with open, non-defensive communication.
I suggested they try a timeout technique when they feel anger rising—taking a short break to cool down before continuing the conversation. We also discussed the idea of practicing reflective listening with their partner to ensure both sides feel understood. Client seemed a bit relieved to have a strategy but also concerned about how their partner might react. They agreed to try the timeout approach when they feel triggered and to check in on how they’re doing next session. We’ll follow up in a week to see if this strategy is helping them manage their anger more effectively.