No longer was he subject to the whim of emotional impulse. Now, he was in a position to orchestrate his life using his head to make smarter choices. Tai Chi makes a positive contribution to anger management therapy presumably because it improves self-discipline. In the absence of impulse control, anger management training will fail. Tai Chi augments refractory anger management cases by providing a benign philosophy of life.
Philosophical change is often necessary in deep-seated cases.
When one's philosophy is punitive, as it invariably is in anger problems, individuals must first get in touch with the very real things they find upsetting, they must be able to tolerate unpleasant feelings. Negative emotions are experienced so intensely, some form of flight becomes the only apparently viable option. Key points include relaxation, breathing and guarding against anger. Tai Chi discourages struggling or using excessive strength to overcome obstacles. Skills that are essential in order to cultivate a successful contemporary relationship.