An Enlightened Public Discovers Anger Management

An Enlightened Public Discovers Anger Management

The recent pattern of referrals to anger management classes shows a dramatic shift in client profiles. Over the last seven years most referrals were from the Courts for misdemeanor offenses and infractions with aggressive behavior being the reason for order. Several weeks ago, I sat in on a class as a Guest Facilitator. When the group members were asked to introduce themselves and indicate their goals, the majority of clients were volunteers who wanted to gain a better control of their expressions of anger, enhance communication skills and learn to be more emotionally intelligent. Several clients were parents who were conce
ed over their behavior towards their children.

The second client group was employees who were mandated by their employers to complete an anger management class as a result of aggressive behavior at work. These clients were initially resistant until they had a chance to hear from the larger number of self referrals who view the class as a positive experience to improve their interpersonal skills. Most of the mandated clients express surprise that others come voluntarily. This realization quickly helps them see their mandated status as a blessing in disguise since they are given an opportunity to learn important new skills at their employer’s expense.

The smaller group of clients who were ordered to attend from 10 to 52 weeks of anger management as the result of road rage, simple battery, threats, harassment or some other person directed aggression are quickly influenced by the other clients to take the course seriously and actively participate.

This brief summary indicates that the enlightened public is rapidly recognizing anger management as a positive opportunity to lean skills in managing stress, anger and improving communication skills and developing emotional intelligence.

George Anderson, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Fellow, American Orthopsychiatric Associatio

Diplomate, American Association of Anger Management Providers.n n