Michael Richards needs Anger Management

Inappropriate displays of anger and rage occur in public very frequently. When explosive situations arise, such as Michael Richards’ tirade, often the listeners or victims are left with no means of recourse, because it is up to the perpetrator to seek help voluntarily. In work situations, complaints can be filed with the Human Resource Department. In driving situations, a complaint can be filed with the local law enforcement.

Anger is a normal human emotion. It is a feeling of displeasure that usually shows itself in a desire to fight back at its supposed cause. When intense anger occurs, it can affect the ability to think clearly (cognition). All too often, people act out violently or aggressively as a result of their anger, as evidenced by Mr. Richards.

Anger is a problem when it is too intense, occurs too frequently, lasts too long, leads to aggression, or destroys relationships with others. In Michael Richards’s situation, it appears the anger was too intense, led to verbal aggression, and severely strained his relationships with others, including his professional colleagues.

Since anger is not a pathological condition, counseling, psychotherapy, or alcohol rehab is clearly not the proper way to address it. What is needed is an assessment by a Certified Anger Management Provider and intervention. The Anger Management Assessment consists of a Map which determines the client’s level of functioning in four areas: how well he recognizes and manages stress and anger, how well he uses assertive communication, and to what extent he is emotionally intelligent or empathic.

Following the assessment, the client should be assigned a workbook with content including exercises to develop skills in the four areas mentioned above. For high profile clients such as Mr. Richards, it is best for the sessions to be provided in a one-on-one, executive-coaching format.

There are several credible national lists of trained anger management providers listed on the internet. They include the following:
http://www.andersonservices.com/providers.html
www.anger-management-resources.org
www.aaamp.org

George Anderson, BCD, CAMF