When people are convicted of a domestic violence-related crime in Washington, their consequences may not be over even after they pay their dues to the legal system. Often, their reputation is forever marred by a mistake and they may experience the frustration and exhaustion of trying to rebuild relationships despite their background.
However, there is hope that people who choose to put their best foot forward and seek help may be able to learn valuable new habits that can help them regain the trust of those they love. One method that is widely used in helping retrain the brains of people who have a tendency to get angry, is called cognitive behavioral therapy.
According to the American Psychological Association, this particular method is a process where professionals help their patients through simulated events that may cause them to feel anger. Education is provided to help patients identify coping mechanisms that work without causing destruction or harm. This type of therapy also provides opportunities for people to recognize irrational and negative thoughts or beliefs and remove obstructions that may cause them to think irrationally.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that many people find the outcome of participating in cognitive behavioral therapy to be the most productive when used in conjunction with antidepressants or other supporting medications. When patients are given a customized treatment plan, they may be able to address areas of their life where trauma or abuse may have created thought patterns that led to their decisions later on in life. Overcoming this trauma, learning how to reduce or deescalate conflict and cope with stress are other valuable methods that may be taught.