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 from the 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 skills could help you gain better control over anger before developing further issues.
Anyone can take the programs and understand ways to manage anger. You will most likely meet parents who shout at their children, emotionally abusive and argumentative spouses, and harsh employers in these programs.
Occasionally, a court may order a violent offender to attend an anger management program.
Also, anger management programs are usually available in rehab or psychiatric settings for those struggling with mental disorders or traumatic brain injuries.
Curriculum
Anger management programs offer different curriculum, with most relying on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The CBT programs specifically teach participants how to identify warning signs of anger as it approaches.
Other lessons 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 improve their 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 get individualized attention during treatment as they learn anger management skills.
However, individual therapy has disadvantages. For instance, it is typically more expensive than group therapy. Also, it doesn’t have additional benefits, such as learning from others in a group setting.
Benefits of Anger Management
One of the major benefits includes improving your ability to react productively and healthily during stressful conditions. Eventually, you will improve your relationships and well-being by becoming less threatening or violent.
Also, your health will improve after addressing physical symptoms accompanied by anger, such as stomach upsets, headaches, and insomnia.
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 with 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 for available programs.
The professionals may also direct you to an additional resource around your community for more help.
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