What to Expect in Anger Management Programs

When you realize you have anger management issues, you might get interested in joining a class to address your needs. However, you might not exactly know what to expect in the available programs.

Generally, an anger management program aims to help you learn the skills required to control and calm your emotions. The following are some tips on what to expect.

Anger Management Attendance

Though attending a program may appear initially intimidating, it teaches valuable life skills. The learned skills could help you acquire better control over anger emotions before developing further issues in life.

Anyone can take the available programs and understand ways to manage anger. The type of people you are most likely to meet are parents who shout at their children, emotionally abusive and argumentative spouses, harsh employers, etc.

Occasionally, a court may order a violent offender to attend an anger management program.

Additionally, anger management programs are usually available in rehab or psychiatric setting for people struggling with mental disorders or traumatic brain injuries.

Curriculum

Different curriculums are offered, with most of them relying on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The CBT programs specifically teach participants how to identify warning signs of anger as it approaches.

Other lessons taught include relaxation and calming techniques, changing thoughts that create angry emotions, and making behavioral changes. Sessions can range from eight to 28 classes taken for about one or two hours, depending on the curriculum and the group’s needs.

Overall, these strategies can adapt to several groups, such as adolescents, substance abuse or addicted individuals, parents, etc.

Participants also perform weekly assignments to practice and enhance the learned skills. Eventually, they receive a certificate after completing the lessons.

Should I choose Individual or Group Therapy?

Many anger management programs prefer to conduct their sessions in educational classes instead of group therapy. Usually, they have trained instructors who educate anger management strategies to help participants cope with their aggressive behaviors, including decreasing anger in certain situations.

If you opt for individual therapy, you may receive flexible services such as privacy, personal attention, scheduling classes, etc. People who experience past trauma may find this therapy beneficial since they can obtain individualized attention during treatment as they learn anger management skills.

However, individual therapy has disadvantages. For instance, it is typically expensive than group therapy. Also, it doesn’t have additional benefits, such as learning from others involved in a group setting.

Benefits of Anger Management

One of the main benefits includes improving your ability to react productively and healthily during stressful conditions. Eventually, you will improve your relationships and well-being by being less threatening or violent.  Your health will also improve since various physical symptoms accompanied by anger, such as stomach upsets, headaches, insomnia, etc., are all addressed.

Anger management also reduces the temptations of substituting drugs, alcohol, or substance addiction to cope with stress and anger.

Final Words from the Recover 

Attending an anger management class benefits those who have angry outbursts affecting their daily lives. It also improves better relationships with others.

However, finding a perfect class can be overwhelming since you aren’t sure what to expect. Therefore, the best option is to visit a professional rehab center near you to get the best recommendation of available programs.

The available professionals may also direct you to an additional resource around your community for more assistance.