Potential for aggression and violence
Signs that you need support
Anger and resentment are normal feelings that everyone is familiar with. But when aggression gets out of hand, control is lost and conflicts escalate, problems arise - for the person concerned and for those around them. If you notice these signs in yourself or others, it's time to act:
- Sudden outbursts of anger: Small triggers lead to exaggerated reactions - shouting, insulting or hitting.
- Physical violence: Aggression is not only directed at objects (e.g. slamming doors), but also at other people.
- Internal restlessness and tension: Some people constantly feel inner tension and the feeling that they are about to explode.
- Lack of self-control: In stressful situations, it is difficult to slow down - anger takes control.
- Conflicts in relationships: Aggression leads to arguments with partners, family members, friends or colleagues.
What you can do now
Aware and understand emotions
Observe your triggers: keep a diary in which you record situations that trigger your anger. This will help you recognize patterns and spot early warning signs. Pay attention to how your anger feels - you may feel heat, accelerated breathing or palpitations. If you recognize these signals early on, you can act in time.
Get to the bottom of the anger: aggression often arises from unfulfilled needs (e.g. the feeling of not being heard). If you recognize the cause, you can react better.
Use techniques to calm down
If you notice that your anger is rising, focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breathing in and out calms the nervous system. Exercise also helps to release excess energy. Go for a walk, do sport or build movement breaks into your daily routine. Talk yourself through it and tell yourself phrases such as "I'll stay calm" or "I'm in control" - this strengthens self-regulation.
Finding support: What help is available?
No one has to deal with aggression alone. There are numerous contact points and programs that can help you to change your behaviour and avoid violence.
Anti-aggression training
- Anti-aggression courses (AAT): These courses teach participants to understand and specifically control their aggression. They are often part of youth welfare measures or are ordered by the courts.
- Violence prevention training: These courses are aimed at strengthening social skills and remaining calm in conflicts. They are open to adults, young people and children.
- Training for parents: There are special courses on stress management and de-escalation for parents who notice that they quickly lose control when dealing with their children.
Counselling services and therapies
- Psychological counselling centres: Here you can talk anonymously about your behaviour and find out about possible measures.
- Therapeutic support: Behavioural therapy helps to recognize anger, develop new thought patterns and find strategies for dealing with conflicts.
- Social psychiatric services: These contact points offer support for people who have problems with aggression in connection with mental illness.
Services for relatives
- Counselling for relatives: Partners and family members who are confronted with aggressive behavior in the household can find help here.
- Violence shelters: In acute situations (e.g. domestic violence), shelters are available for those affected.
- Mediation and conflict counseling: If there are repeated arguments in the family or partnership, mediation can help to resolve conflicts without violence.
Frequently asked questions about counseling for potential aggression and violence
Yes, many counseling centers support people who want to reflect on their behavior and learn to deal with anger and aggression differently. Early counseling helps to avoid escalation and develop healthy conflict strategies.
Yes, there are counseling services for people who are prone to aggressive behavior in partnerships or in the family. Anti-violence training or counseling helps to identify causes and learn new ways of behaving. Counseling is confidential and geared towards change.
Counselling services offer techniques for controlling emotions, help to recognize triggers and develop alternatives. Group training or one-to-one sessions are also often useful to learn better impulse control in the long term.
Take your concerns to an advice center for violence prevention. There you will receive information on how you can approach the person and what help is available. In acute cases, if there is a risk, you should contact the police or a crisis hotline.
Let us advise you now!
You don't have to control your anger alone. Anti-aggression training, counseling centers and therapeutic support can help you change your behavior and resolve conflicts without violence. Take the first step - it's worth it!