The Anger Management program at New Direction Treatment services does require a brief initial intake to determine appropriateness as well as just basic information. The program consists of an initial Four (4) mandatory one-hour sessions. An additional 4 or 8 sessions (up to 12 total) can be attended if the initial set of classes are not sufficient. These additional sessions may be in a group setting or individual sessions. The referral source (employer, PO, judge, etc.) can require this, or the client can make that choice. Telehealth is an option, as it is with all our services.
These anger management sessions provide opportunities for skill building and education. Self-awareness of how anger makes a feel physically, emotionally, behaviorally, and cognitively is a skill which we begin to practice in the sessions. When the feeling anger starts to become more intense, it is important to turn down the heat by using de-escalation. De-escalation techniques are explored and practiced as well as used in between sessions. We learn that there are unhealthy ways to express our anger which have many consequences for our health and our relationships. We can say or do things that cannot be un-said or un-done. Avoiding impulsive behaviors that lead to long lasting damage is essential
We all get angry at one time or another. We might call it annoyed or frustrated but those words are describing anger somewhere on the intensity scale. Does that mean it bad or that we are a bad person because we feel angry? Anger is not bad, but it can be seen as a big red flag that some action needs to be taken. Anger is a normal natural emotion, but it is how we express anger or not express it, that can cause problems with self/others. Anger is always tied to expectations of self or others. When we lower our expectations then the anger or frustration beings to fade.
We use the phrase “Do no Harm” That means to do no harm to self, other people or to property. We learn to use anger in a constructive manner to make changes, communicate wants or needs, and look at our underlying feelings because anger is defensive. Usually there is fear when defensiveness is present. Those underlying feelings (disrespect, fear, embarrassment, sadness, etc.) may cause us to feel vulnerable but those feelings tell us what actions we may need to take.
Changing how you handle your feelings with others will instill trust in your relationships and help you feel in control of your life. Changing your expectations of others will Increase your feelings of happiness and help you look hopeful toward the future. Remember you can only control yourself and your own behavior. No one else has the power to make you angry unless you give it to them and unless you let them influence you. Making choices to be respectful to others and be around people who are respectful to you, is a choice that only you can make. Learning how to respectfully set boundaries with casual relationships as well as with those that you have more intimate relationships with, is essential.
This Anger management program is based on being positive, encouraging, and compassionate. It will help you feel more in control of your life than you have in years. The curriculum that is used is a compilation of evidence-based practices that have been used for many years with proven effectiveness. All that we ask of any of our clients is to come in with a little bit of open-mindedness. If you want what you’ve never had before you will have to do what you’ve never done before.
