Aggression & Violence

Aggression & Violence – Although violence and aggression are used similarly, they are different and these differences should be clarified: Violence is a type of physical assault with the purpose of harming another person or to damage the property of another. Violence is not usually able to be anticipated by anyone else, especially the people it affects. The reason why some people may act on violent urges could be caused by personal issues, social status, or even institutional forces. Violence can affect anyone and can be found in many different scenarios; such as the home, workplace, sports performances and even general public areas.

Aggression is defined generally as any behavior with the intention of harming another person, mentally or physically, or to damage another person’s property. Aggression is less of an action and more about the purpose behind the action. Aggression could even be someone breaking the normal social rules of a situation to hurt another person.

People with aggressive and/or violent tendencies may also suffer from a range of other psychological issues, which could be an underlying cause of these actions. Some of the other issues that are commonly seen in people with aggression and violence issues are: PTSD, depression, anxiety, intermittent explosive disorder or a conduct disorder. Alcohol and drug abuse can also lead to violent and aggressive behavior.

When treating aggression and violence, therapy is not only a crucial part of the process, but it can be what someone may really need to be able to overcome their issues. Many options of psychotherapy and other treatments are available for people with aggression and violence issues. Certain types of therapy may work better than others for different individuals, depending on that person’s life experiences and personality. Different types of therapy treat aggression and violence in different ways, for example, one therapy may teach people with aggressive and/or violent tendencies how to understand and then control their behaviors, while another may be taught how to be aware of the underlying feelings behind the anger. If aggression or violence is happening in a relationship, be it intimate or familial, couples or family therapy may be a great addition to individual work.

Aggression and Violence can cause many issues but if you are looking for a therapist in San Jose to work through them with, please contact Chris Jones, MFT at 408.608.7230.