Does this sound like your child?
Your child’s anger feels bigger than them. Outbursts come quickly and seem impossible to calm down. Maybe they slam doors, yell, or hit when frustrated. Or maybe they bottle it up until it all explodes at once. You’ve tried consequences and reasoning with them, but nothing seems to stick.
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It’s not just “bad behavior.” Kids and teens who struggle with anger often experience:
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Explosive tantrums or meltdowns that come out of nowhere
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Physical aggression like hitting, throwing, or breaking things
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Difficulty calming down once upset
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Irritability, frustration, and mood swings
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Trouble expressing feelings without yelling or shutting down
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Problems at school or with friends due to outbursts
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Guilt or shame after the anger has passed
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These challenges are rooted in how the brain and body process stress, not in willful disobedience or “meanness". Your child isn't a "bad kid" and you are not a "bad parent", they're just struggling with feelings that their brain hasn't learned to process yet.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens With Anger Thrive
Anger in kids doesn’t always look like rage. Sometimes it’s eye-rolling, slamming doors, or refusing to talk. Other times it’s explosive yelling or hitting. Underneath, most kids are really feeling overwhelmed, scared, or powerless.
At PlayWorks, we know anger is a signal, not the problem itself. Through play-based therapy, kids and teens learn how to understand and manage the emotions driving their anger, while building real-life tools they can actually use.
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With us, kids and teens learn how to:​
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Recognize early warning signs before anger escalates
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Build calming strategies that actually work in the moment
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Practice frustration tolerance and flexible thinking
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Strengthen problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
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Express feelings in safe, healthy ways
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Rebuild self-esteem and reduce shame after outbursts
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Improve relationships at home, school, and with peers
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No long lectures. No judgment. Just real tools for real kids.
“Play therapy helps children reduce aggressive behaviors by strengthening emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills.”
- Landreth & Bratton’s Child-Centered Play Therapy Research (2019)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Anger?
When a child’s anger flares, the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) goes into overdrive, while the prefrontal cortex (the part that helps with impulse control and problem-solving) shuts down. Play therapy strengthens the brain’s calming pathways, helping kids pause, think, and choose healthier ways to respond.
Because play is the natural language of kids. It allows them to safely practice calming strategies, work through frustrations, and rehearse healthier ways of handling big emotions. Play therapy directly supports the brain regions responsible for emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
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When children practice new coping strategies in play, those brain pathways strengthen, helping them stay calmer, recover faster, and express emotions in healthier ways outside the therapy room.
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks for Anger Management Support
We’re neuroscience-informed
Our therapists stay up to date with the latest brain research and use it to guide interventions that actually work for Anger Management and Aggression.
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We make therapy playful and effective
From puppet shows to Pokémon, every session is tailored to your child’s age, interests, and needs, so they feel engaged, not embarrassed.
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We support YOU too
We offer parent check-ins, progress feedback, and practical strategies you can use at home (without adding to your plate).
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just reduce “symptoms”, we support emotional growth, identity development, and resilience for a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
When anger takes over your child’s life, it can leave the whole family walking on eggshells. But with the right support, kids can learn to manage big feelings and build confidence in handling life’s challenges.​
At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and designed to bring calm back into your home.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.