Latest trends in anger management referrals

As an area of specialization, anger management is moving into the mainstream of American thought. On the advice of Rev. Jessie Jackson, Michael Richards has entered into an anger management program to address issues associated with his publicly displayed outrage. Medical Quality Assurance Boards are referring physicians on weekly bases from all over the country to Executive Coaching/anger management programs for inappropriate aggressive behavior toward patients or ancillary staff.

Popular Talk Shows, such as Greg Behrendt, Dr. Keith Ablow, Dr. Phil, and even Penn & Teller have presented segments featuring anger management on their shows. This represents the growing public awareness of anger management as a legitimate intervention for persons exhibiting problems in managing anger.

Licensed Mental Health Providers including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists are rapidly acknowledging the need for consultation and referral of angry patients to Certified Anger Management Facilitators. An interesting variation is for clinicians to refer their client or patient for an Anger Management Assessment before deciding whether to refer the client to an anger management class. This is a good practice, because it serves to rule out clients who may not benefit from anger management, clients who may not need anger management, or clients who may not be motivated to change.

The assessment includes the following components:
• Anger Management and Anger Control
• Fear Management or Self-Defeating Communication Patterns
• Communication Styles
• Assertive Communication
• Passive Communication
• Stress Management
• Empathy/emotional intelligence
• Change Orientation (motivation to change)

It has been documented that a scored assessment, such as the Anger Management Assessment, is vital to determining and enhancing academic achievement, relationship success, professional achievement, and positive personal change.

Skill Enhancement Component
The Anderson & Anderson skill enhancement consists of the following four units:
• Anger Management
• Stress Management
• Communication
• Emotional Intelligence

Each skill enhancement module consists of approximately 4 – 5 hours of interactive learning activities, DVDs, listening activities, and post assessments. The Client Workbooks, “Controlling Ourselves and “Gaining Control of Ourselves” contain all of the exercises as assignments.

The curriculum is made more interesting by the use of companion DVDs, CDS, Videos and experiential exercises and quizzes.

For more information or to enroll, contact our office at 310-207-3591 or visit our website at www.andersonservices.com.