Just showing up to talk about my anger issues with my kids. My 8yo asked why I yelled about him spilling juice and I realized I don't have a good answer. First session was awkward af but the therapist didn't judge me which was nice. Here's hoping this actually helps. Will update after a few weeks.
Props for actually going. Parenting kids who spill things is genuinely hard and your nervous system probably needs the reset more than your kid needs the yelling. Therapy helps with that.
The juice spilling moment is so relatable though. It's never actually about the juice, it's about being overwhelmed and the juice is just the thing that breaks the dam. Therapy helps you see that pattern.
Showing up is the hardest part. The yelling about juice thing is real and actually solvable with the right help. First sessions are always awkward, that's normal.
The self-awareness here is huge. Most dads don't even ask themselves why they yelled. You did, you got help. That's the whole thing.
Good on you for going. A lot of dads won't admit they have anger issues let alone actually try to work on it. Your 8yo will notice the difference pretty quick.
Awkward first session is totally normal. Give it like 4-5 sessions before you judge whether it's actually helping. Therapy is weird at first but gets better.
Props for being self-aware enough to notice the yelling pattern and do something about it. That's real growth already.
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Your 8yo noticing and asking about the yelling means he's picking up on the pattern too. Getting help now breaks that cycle before he internalizes "dad yells when angry = normal." Good move.