Anger Management and Chemical Dependency Treatment

The Anderson and Anderson model of anger management/emotional intelligence is an assessment based, skills building curriculum and is effectively utilized by a number of treatment facilities throughout the U.S. The Anderson and Anderson model addresses four domains of human emotion and interaction: anger, stress, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. The efficacy of the Anderson and Anderson model is found in a myriad of ways for clients/patients engaged in treatment for alcohol and other drugs.

First, the Anderson and Anderson model recognizes anger as a normal human emotion. Anger is not a mental illness nor is there a diagnosis for anger in the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). As a result, the Anderson and Anderson model utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach, with structured classes and a client workbook, to address when anger is problematical in a person’s life. Specifically, anger is a problem when it is “too intense, too frequent, too long of duration (including resentments), leads to aggression, and when it destroys personal and professional relationships.”

Secondly, the Anderson and Anderson model also recognizes anger as a “secondary emotion.” Anger arises from a hidden (or denied) primary emotion and the client’s unique and learned belief system. The Anderson and Anderson model sharpens the focus and the folly of a client’s anger to identify the primary emotion and the client’s underlying belief system through practical writing exercises, DVDs, class interaction, and role-playing.

The primary efficacy of the Anderson and Anderson model is found in its direct approach to changing behaviors – immediately! The Anderson and Anderson model is a skills building curriculum that addresses the “what” of angry behavior rather than addressing the psychotherapeutic reasons, or the “why” a client is angry! The success of realizing the capacity, ability, and self-confidence resulting from changing one’s behavior has enormous traction and inertia or “legs” for changing other maladaptive behaviors as discovered by those treatment centers using the Anderson and Anderson model of anger management!

Tom Wentz, Ph.D., C.A.M.F.
Anger Management Facilitator
Anderson & Anderson, A.P.C.