Court Ordered Anger Management Intervention – A Testimonial

I came from old family ways and traditional values that taught me to keep family matters “in-house” and not talk about them with anyone else outside of the family. The problem was that we never discussed or resolved any of the issues within my family of origin.

Over time, I became numb and confused regarding my own emotions because of the issues that we did not address that should have been discussed. What I thought was being in control of my emotions was really a way of masking my hurt, anger and frustration regarding unanswered, unresolved issues and questions.

I was court-ordered to attend an Anger Management program due to my prior violent behavior. Before attending The WIN Institute’s Anger Management Intervention program, anger management was not an option for me.

After having completed the 16 week Anger Management Intervention program with The WIN Institute, I have gained a much better awareness of myself and how to communicate assertively while using my anger much more productively.

Prior to attending The WIN Institute program I developed a pattern of internalizing my feelings and emotions which, in many instances, lead to explosive outbursts. My anger was turned inward thru guilt, depression, substance abuse and rejection.

For myself, I have recognized my patterns of negative behavior that lead to abrupt and impulsive choices. Those patterns are now replaced with positive conscious behavior. These new behavioral skills will help me move closer to my life goals and aspirations. --- Jeffrey, Minneapolis.

For more information about The WIN Institute's Anger Management Intervention program, please contact:

Steven W. Clark, CAMF, COAMF
763-913-0130
www.thewininstitute.org
www.thewininstitute.blogspot.com

Civility, Anger Management & Emotional Intelligence: Unintended Consequences Of Tucson, Arizona

The tragedy in Tucson, Arizona has resulted in an avalanche of self-referrals to anger management programs nationwide. Parents who are fearful of the potential for violence on the part of their off spring as well as spouses are asking to be seen individually or in groups. Even neighbors are urging others to seek help for long standing problems in interpersonal relationships.

Mental health providers are experiencing an increase in referrals for anxiety and depression which are oftern precursors of anger and/or impediments to empathy and emotional intelligence. Below are some of the comments from callers.

•I am a Chef and last Sunday my anger was so extreme it freightened me. I just know that it is time to do something that I should have done long ago. Take an anger management class.

•My son is 17 and we are worrying about him because he is always angry to the extent that his friends are even telling him that he needs help.

•My wife wants me to come and, I guess she is right. I find myself over reacting to almost everything.

•I have two small children and I find myself pinching them, throwing things and yelling when they are only being children.

•I am a Priest and a number of my parishioners have privately urged my to seek counseling for my temper. It is embarrassing for a person in my position.

•I am a Professional in Elder Care. I found myself yelling at a neighbor who I later found in terminally ill. I feel so ashamed.

These are just some of the comments. The number of calls have increased dramatically since the cry for civility hit the airways and the Internet. This is a trend that a grieving nation needs.

[from George Anderson, MSW]

To get more information about how The WIN Institute can assist you with your Anger, Stress and/or Aggressive Behavior (physical or verbal), please contact:

Steven W. Clark, CAMF, COAMF, CDVF
The WIN Institute
763-913-0130
Web Site: www.thewininstitute.org
Blog Site: www.thewininstitute.blogspot.com

Anger Management For Teens

Many teens (and adults, too!) have trouble effectively managing their anger and stress. They may explode, yell and curse, throw things, and slam doors. Or they may turn their anger inwards, becoming sullen and depressed. In the most extreme cases, a pattern of unresolved angry feelings can lead to violence, either directed at others or towards the self. What causes these angry feelings in the first place?

It’s important that teens be able to do the following:

Recognize triggers. When teens are calm enough to process effectively, they can be helped to deconstruct situations that resulted in anger: what happened first? Often, the thing that seems to have caused the anger may have just been the “last straw”, but might not be the true trigger. Teens often need help working backwards to identify what the real issue is.

Once the trigger is identified, help teens to label it. “I got angry when my teacher asked me for my homework and it isn’t done.” Or “I got angry when my friend backed out of plans we had made.” Spelling out the trigger helps teens to focus on that trigger.

Identify underlying feelings. Often, there is an emotional response to the situation that precedes anger. The teen needs help to try to weed these feelings out. A follow up question might be, “Why do you think that made you so angry?” In the examples above, typical responses might be, “Because everyone was watching.” Or “Because it makes me feel like she’s not really my friend.” This process helps the teen uncover other feelings, such as fear, shame, or loneliness, which lie underneath the anger. These are the feelings that need to be dealt with.

Then the teen needs to reflect on these feelings and put names on the feelings. “You felt embarrassed.” Or “You felt like you might not trust her friendship.” Acknowledging teens’ experiences helps validate them, and keeps teens to open-up and talk. Plus, until a teen feels understood, they are not usually ready to move into a problem-solving phase.

For more information about The WIN Institute's Teen Anger Management Intervention program, please contact:

Steven W. Clark, JD, CAMF, CDVF
763-913-0130
www.thewininstitute.org
www.thewininstitute.blogspot.com