Anger Management

anger

-An emotional state varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.

-Natural emotional reaction

cause of anger

perceived loss of control over factors affecting values

body reactions to anger

body creates energy and adrenaline enters blood, heart rate increase, muscles tense 

expressions of anger

physical (ex: throw something), cry, yell, and many others

benefits of anger when handled appropriately 

-Reach goals, solve problems

-Handle emergencies

-Gain insight

-Protects against being dominated or taken advantage of

-Warning signal that the situation is exceeding one’s stress capability

-Boost confidence, improve self-esteem

pitfalls of anger when handled poorly

-Physical health problems (ex: high blood pressure)

-poor decision making,

-relationship problems

-low self-esteem, depression

-Can lead to aggression - assault, abuse

-Social alienation

-Loss of self-control

how to tell if a client is angry

how they talk to you, pacing, breathing heavily, mean to others around them, change from typical behavior, have certain disorders (addiction, bipolar, depression, anxiety, etc.)

suppression

the individual holds in his/her anger. 

positive: refocuses anger on something positive

negative: ruminates and perseverates on negative event 

when does anger become problematic

when the frequency, duration and behavioral effects are viewed as inappropriate and cause duress and stress for self and others

expression

overtly making known one’s thoughts and feelings

positive: utilizes assertiveness and effective communication and problem-solving to address anger

negative: utilizes explosive, unproductive behaviors that result in negative consequences

calming

gaining intentional control of one’s thoughts and body when feeling angry

persistent problems with anger are usually because of

-Underlying issues not resolved

-Using coping methods that are ineffective

coping with anger

Explore emotions of hurt, fear underlying anger

-Develop empathetic understanding – see the situation from their point of view

-Assume best intentions – interpret underlying intentions of someone else as “trying to take care of self” and not trying to hurt you

goals of anger management

• Recognize triggers to anger and related emotions

• Identify the physiological, behavioral and cognitive responses

• Reduce emotional and physical reactions to anger

• Promote awareness of cues that lead to anger

• Identify patterns or response to anger

• Appropriate versus inappropriate responses

• Learn ways to COPE positively with anger

coping skills

strategies, tools, techniques and methods used to deal with emotionally charged situations

TR interventions for anger management

• Leisure Education (coping skill acquisition)

• Relaxation Techniques

• Mindfulness Training

• Assertiveness Training

• Cognitive Restructuring

• Humor Therapy

• Problem-solving activities

• Role Plays

• Trigger Identification Activities

• Communication Activities

triggers

emotional response to something that causes intense emotional reaction such as memories, dreams, places, people, etc. (could be anything). The intense emotional reaction is rationalized by the person to justify the response

common emotional triggers

Need for acceptance or attention

Being understood or in control

Wanting order, safety, or respect

Wanting to be needed or feeling included

Being right, liked, valued, or treated fairly

Wanting independence or to be loved

Inconsistency