All Anger Management Is Not Equal

March 30, 2007
By ctodd

’Anger management’ is now a household phrase. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “He/she needs anger management.” Because of the rising demand for anger management, many providers have emerged to meet this need. These operations are popping up without regulation, leaving the consumers to fend for themselves to determine the quality of service and the qualifications of providers. The fact is that all anger management is not equal. Anderson and Anderson is now the global leader in anger management training. This organization has set the standard for facilitator training and recertification.

In the last seven years as a therapist, I have taken many clients through anger management, but the Anderson model had been the most useful and relevant. It combines teaching not only anger management, but communication skills, emotional intelligence and stress management. I must admit that a much desired side effect has been that this model has also improved my own marriage.

The Anderson and Anderson anger management model pays close attention to the issue of emotion intelligence. This is what intrigues me. (Check out my blog at http://www.angerhurts.com/ for more discussion on emotional intelligence as it relates to anger management). I am finding that this is the key to empowering clients. When individuals have a better handle on their emotions they tend to see the potential for anger outbursts well in advance; and, they are better able to take responsibility for their own feelings and meet their own needs without passing the buck.

This model is the standard of training and service delivery in California and Texas. A list of certified Anderson and Anderson providers nationwide can be found at http://www.anger-management-resources.org/

Carlos Todd, LPC, NCC, CAMF

Diplomate, American Association of Anger Management Providers

Carlos Todd is an Anderson and Anderson Anger management provider in North Carolina

http://www.angerhurts.com/
www.angeronmymind.com
http://www.aaamp.org/
http://www.andersonservices.com/
http://www.anger-management-resources.org/