Aggression is a complex and often misunderstood symptom that can manifest in various ways during therapy sessions. It can be verbal, physical, or even passive-aggressive behaviour that stems from underlying emotions such as anger, frustration, fear, or insecurity. Recognizing and addressing the causes of aggression and its symptoms in psychotherapy is crucial for both the therapist and the client to work towards healing and growth. In this blog post, we will explore the different forms of aggression symptoms, their underlying causes, and effective strategies for managing them in therapy sessions.
One common form of aggression symptom in therapy is verbal aggression, which can include yelling, insults, or threats towards the therapist or other individuals. Feelings of powerlessness or inadequacy often trigger aggression in a verbal way and can be a way for the client to assert control or express intense emotions. In these cases, it is important for the therapist to remain calm and non-reactive while setting clear boundaries around acceptable behaviour. By creating a safe space for the client to express themselves without judgment, therapists can help clients explore the root causes of their aggression and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Another form of aggression symptom is physical aggression, which involves actions such as hitting, throwing objects, or self-harming behaviours. Physical aggression is often a sign of deep emotional distress or trauma that needs to be addressed with sensitivity and compassion. This may become more apparent in further stages of aggression. Therapists should prioritize safety protocols when working with clients who exhibit physical aggression symptoms and collaborate with other professionals if necessary to ensure the client’s well-being. Through consistent therapeutic intervention, clients can learn to regulate their emotions and find healthier ways to cope with their pain.
Passive-aggressive behaviour is also a common manifestation of aggression symptoms in therapy sessions. This includes behaviours such as sarcasm, procrastination, or deliberately avoiding tasks assigned by the therapist. Passive-aggressive behaviour often reflects unresolved conflicts or unmet needs that the client may struggle to communicate directly. Therapists can help clients identify and address these underlying issues by fostering open communication and encouraging honest expression of thoughts and feelings. By exploring the root causes of passive-aggressive behaviour together, therapists and clients can work towards resolving conflicts constructively.
In some cases, aggression symptoms may indicate deeper psychological issues such as personality disorders or unresolved trauma that require specialized treatment approaches. Therapists should conduct thorough assessments to determine the underlying factors contributing to aggressive behaviours before developing a tailored treatment plan for each client. Collaborating with other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or trauma specialists can provide additional support for clients with complex needs related to aggression symptoms.
Aggression symptoms are complex manifestations of underlying emotional pain that require compassionate understanding and skilled intervention in psychotherapy settings. By recognizing the different forms of aggression symptoms – verbal, physical, passive-aggressive – therapists can create a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Through ongoing therapeutic work focused on addressing root causes of aggressive behaviours, clients can learn to regulate their emotions effectively and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Ultimately, by approaching aggression symptoms with empathy and expertise, therapists can support clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Maycee Dias, BSc (Hons), MSW, RSW, or another Kitchener therapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
