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Areas of Support

Impulse Control

Science-based psychological services for men in Guelph and across Ontario. We offer support for anger management, substance abuse, and other impulsive behaviours.

Impulse Control

Areas of Support

It’s time. Learn methods to understand your triggers and stop self-destructive behaviours.
Gain back your control.

What is Anger Management?

Anger management involves techniques and strategies to control intense feelings of anger and express them in healthier ways. It doesn’t mean suppressing anger, but rather understanding and managing it constructively.

Anger is a normal and often healthy emotion, but when it is expressed destructively or uncontrollably, it can lead to harmful consequences for relationships, work, and mental health.

impact

Unmanaged anger can lead to conflicts in personal relationships, work environments, or social situations. Chronic anger can also contribute to physical health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease, and headaches.

Men may also find that their ability to make clear, rational decisions is impaired when angry, leading to impulsive behaviors, regret, and even legal or financial issues.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of substances, including alcohol, drugs (prescription and recreational), and other addictive substances. It often leads to dependence, compulsive use, and a range of negative physical, emotional, and social consequences.

It is considered a mental health disorder when individuals are unable to control their use of substances despite harmful consequences.

Impact

Substance abuse can exacerbate mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. It may provide temporary relief but leads to long-term emotional, physical, and psychological damage.

Due to its impacts, some men may struggle with poor decision-making and risky behaviors, including violence, financial problems, and strained relationships.

What is Excessive Pornography Consumption?

Excessive pornography consumption refers to the compulsive or problematic viewing of pornographic content, which can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and mental health.

It can become an issue when it takes up a significant portion of an individual’s time or is used as a means to escape from emotional stress, loneliness, or dissatisfaction in other areas of life.

impact

Overconsumption of pornography can lead to unrealistic sexual expectations, which may affect intimacy in relationships, cause dissatisfaction, or lead to performance anxiety.

It may also contribute to emotional numbness, addiction, and avoidance behaviors, leading some men to withdraw from social interactions, neglect responsibilities, or experience feelings of guilt and shame.

What are Impulsive Behaviors?

Impulsive behaviors, such as skin-picking (excoriation disorder), hair-pulling (trichotillomania), or other compulsive behaviors, involve repetitive actions that are performed in response to urges or feelings of tension. These behaviors are often done to relieve stress or anxiety but can lead to physical harm, emotional distress, and social embarrassment.

These behaviors may also be categorized as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which include actions like nail-biting, lip biting, or eyebrow-plucking.

impact

Skin-picking and hair-pulling are often driven by anxiety, stress, or boredom and can lead to significant physical damage (e.g., scarring, infections, hair loss) and emotional consequences like shame, guilt, or social withdrawal.

These behaviors can interfere with daily functioning, making it difficult to focus on tasks, engage in social activities, or maintain personal appearance and hygiene.

impulse control

Treatment Approaches

At Cogent, our team is trained in a variety of approaches for impulse control.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Behavioural Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Communication Skills Training
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Systematic Desensitization
  • Motivational Interviewing
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Ready to take the next Step?

We help men navigate the complexities of their mental health through clinical psychology and evidence-based psychotherapy, providing them the guidance they need to see real, tangible improvements in their lives.

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