Anger management 

refers to a process. It can help people identify stressors. People learn steps

to help them stay calm in anger management. They may then handle tense situations in a

constructive, positive way.

The purpose of anger management is to help a person decrease anger. It reduces

the emotional  and physical arousal that anger can cause. It is generally impossible to avoid all

people and settings that incite anger . But a person may learn to control reactions and respond

in a socially appropriate manner. The support of a mental health professional  may be helpful in

this process.
EXPLORING THE ROOTS OF ANGER
Many different events can make someone angry. These may include:

 Internal events such as perceived failures, injustices, or frustrations

 External events such as loss of property or privileges, teasing, or humiliation

Anger may result in externalizing behaviors. These can include verbal arguments and tantrums .
Anger can also cause internalizing behaviors. Internalizing behaviors can include sulking or
increased symptoms of depression . People may show anger through aggression . Aggression is
the biological function of anger. It is an evolutionary response that helps prepare people to fight
off threats.

Inappropriate displays of anger may mean a more serious mental health or emotional

issue exists. People who receive anger management therapy learn skills to slow their reaction

to anger. This can help them identify the reason for their feelings. The roots of anger may be

buried in emotional trauma , addiction , grief , or other issues. But a natural inclination may be to
find temporary relief in lashing out. This can obscure the true cause of the anger. If this is the

case for you, working with a therapist might be helpful.

HISTORY OF ANGER MANAGEMENT
Anger management dates back thousands of years in human history. Prominent figures in the

history of anger management include:

 Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 B.C.-65 A.D.)

 Greek physician and philosopher Aelius Galenus (129-216)

 Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

These figures highlighted the importance of adjusting one’s perspective of events. They also

supported avoiding situations which could incite rage.

In modern times, trained psychologists have developed programs for people with anger issues.

These programs help people better control their emotions. Some of anger management’s major

modern-day contributors include: 

 Peter Stearns

 Raymond Novaco

 Howard Kassinove

 Raymond Chip Tafrate

 Louis Dundin

 Brad Bushman

 Michael Hoyt

HOW ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKS

Anger management therapy provides a clear set of recovery guidelines. It gives the person in

treatment a controlled platform for the release of their emotions. At the same time, it aims to

achieve constructive responses, rather than destructive ones. People in therapy are

encouraged to examine what triggers  their anger. They try to become aware of their emotions

at each level of arousal. People learn how to use those signs as a map to control their anger. 

In therapy, people gain insight into how their body responds to past and future events. They do

this by identifying the emotional reaction to a certain circumstance. Therapists also help people

notice anger responses that may be defense mechanisms for other concerns. These concerns

might be depression, anxiety , or other mental health issues.

Anger management therapy often helps people with anger issues. It may also help the people

who make up their social network. Uncontrollable anger may lead to harmful psychological and

physical conditions. Anger management helps to reduce and control anger. This allows people

to reduce stress. It can also lower the risk for serious health problems. These can include heart

disease and high blood pressure. 

The goal of anger management therapy is to teach people how to examine their triggers. It also

helps people adjust how they look at situations. Successful anger management therapy
develops healthy ways for people to express anger and frustration. Some techniques used in

anger management therapy include:

 Impulse control

 Self-awareness

 Meditation

 Frustration management (sometimes by writing in an anger diary)

 Breathing techniques

 Relaxation  strategies

Anger management therapy may take place in one-on-one or group settings. Classes address

specific types of anger issues. These can include relationship  issues, parenting, teens, and

work-related anger or rage. Sometimes people are court-ordered to attend an anger

management class. This can be a result of a domestic or legal issue. 

Therapy is available on a continuing basis. People interested in anger management may also

take a retreat or online course. Most anger management classes include homework

assignments and exercises. These strengthen the techniques learned in therapy. They also

allow the person in therapy to practice their new skills in real-life situations.

COURT-ORDERED ANGER MANAGEMENT

The judicial system may mandate some people to complete an anger management course.

These people are typically convicted of criminal offenses. Offenses may include, but are not
limited to:

 Disturbing the peace

 Damaging or destroying another person’s property

 Assault

 Battery

 Intimate partner violence (IPV)

Many court-approved agencies offer anger management programs. People convicted may also

take court-approved anger management classes online.

WHO OFFERS ANGER MANAGEMENT?

The National Anger Management Association (NAMA)  provides anger management

certification. Specialists in the United States may receive this certification. NAMA trains

psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, religious leaders, social workers, life coaches, and

educators. They seek to address the growing need for anger management services in

organizations, hospitals, schools, and communities. NAMA offers five distinct certifications.

University students may earn a student certification from NAMA. They can then offer teach in

their community. This is done with an authorized NAMA supervisor. Students can get a

recommendation from their NAMA supervisor. Doing so allows them to have their certification

upgraded once they graduate.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM ANGER MANAGEMENT?

Anger management courses are beneficial for people in the fields of business or health care.

They also benefit people who are court-referred. Anger management may benefit anyone

seeking to improve their relationships with others. But this treatment may be particularly helpful

for certain social groups. These include:

 Violent offenders

 People with bullying  behaviors

 People affected by behavioral changes associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

 People with behavioral changes associated with posttraumatic stress (PTSD)

 People experiencing substance dependency  or undergoing recovery

 People with cognitive or mental health issues that make it difficult to control anger

LIMITATIONS OF ANGER MANAGEMENT

Anger management therapy may not be effective with people who do not recognize they have

anger issues. People with severe learning disabilities may have some difficulty responding to

anger treatments. These treatments are sometimes based on principles of cognitive behavioral

therapy (CBT). People with other mental health issues may need to address these underlying

problems first. Doing so may make future anger management more effective.
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