On-line Anger Management Schools a Consumer Disaster

Anger Management as a discipline is an emerging area of specialization that lacks state or local regulations. In spite of its popularity, few Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys really understand what a legitimate anger management program should include. Anger management is a course that is designed to teach enhancement skills in recognizing and managing anger and stress, increasing assertive communication and emotional intelligence. Anger management is not counseling nor psychotherapy, and is therefore not designed to treat emotional or nervous disorders. All anger management programs should contain the following:

-Trained Facilitators with a minimum of 40 hours in the assessment and intervention
of adolescents and adults referred to anger management programs.

-A specific anger management curriculum that includes Pre and Post Test tools.

-Language and culture specific client workbooks designed to teach the skills in anger management, stress management, communication and emotional intelligence.

-Ancillary training material including posters, DVDs, videos and other instructional guides.

-After-care/follow-up of clients who have completed the course in order to reduce the potential for recidivism.

Currently, on-line anger management providers are equivalent to on-line traffic schools. Anyone with computer skills can open his or her program without any standards whatsoever. Therefore, it is the consumer who is the ultimate loser. Ideally, all providers should be members of the American Association of Anger Management Providers and listed on their provider list at www.aaamp.org.


George Anderson, MSW, BCD, CAMF, CEAP
Diplomate, American Association of Anger Management Providers
Anderson & Anderson®, The Trusted Name in Anger Management
http://www.andersonservices.com
http://www.aaamp.org
http://www.linkedin.com/in/geoanderson
www.anger-management-resources.org