Anger ManagementClasses - The Problem Difficulty managing anger is a major problem today for many males and some females, and largely involves the lack of anger management skills or poor anger management skills. Some major indicators that an individual is suffering from effects of poor anger management skills include the individual's own report, outburst of anger, social history, medical history, statement "I don't know how I feel.", self-report of social isolation., self-report of reduced leisure activities., a physician's history, family's report., observation in sessions, previous treatment history., psychological testing., the initial treatment plan., or information collected in the initial bio-psychosocial history and assessment.
THE SOLUTION An individualized treatment plan is developed for each individual. Individuals showing signs and reporting symptoms consistent with an anger management problem often may be treated in an outpatient setting along with psycho- educational sessions to teach anger management skills and practice these skills, in a more intensive way-- either through more frequent individual, group, educational sessions, an intensive outpatient program, or hospitalization.
GOALS OF TREATMENT The primary goal of treatment for all is for each individual to show signs and reports symptoms consistent with average to above average anger management skills before completion of the anger control treatment program. Individuals with other complicating problems will report a reduction in anger management problems and/or a significant reduction in anger problems due to complications related to the use of alcohol/drugs and or other mental health problems. The specific goals in the treatment of anger problems is: the cessation of the inappropriate and violent anger behavior; to provide a safer environment for all; to provide information about community resources available; to provide treatment when needed and feasible; to address through referral or treatment any other emotional, psychiatric, or chemical abuse or dependency problems identified. Related goals include: to have the individual take responsibility for their own anger/behavior; to assist individuals in developing an increased sense of empathy our victims; to assist in changing of our attitudes and behaviors; to develop our increased sense of personal control of our anger; to develop an increased sense of self-worth and self-image; to stop externalizing the causes of anger or violence; to be able to define internal causes of anger - cause and effect; to understand the harmfulness of inappropriately expressed angry, or abusive behavior to others; to be able to verbalize realistic consequences of our angry, or violent behavior; to learn to know our own cues; to be able to predict own reactive behavior.
OUTPATIENT PROGRAM Individuals showing signs and reporting symptoms consistent with a mild to moderate anger management problem often may be treated in an outpatient setting using individual or group therapy along with psycho- educational sessions to teach and practice these skills.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM Individuals showing signs and reports symptoms consistent with a moderate to severe anger management problem may be treated in a more intensively through more frequent individual, group, education, or intensive outpatient activity or hospitalization. Information obtained in the assessment process directs the initial treatment planning, an on-going process. Treatment plans and goals are modified and updated as more information is known during the course of treatment. The program is very individualized with clients generally complete a minimum of 5 to 20 sessions for the most benefit. Each Client is also seen individually from once to twice monthly or as needed.
HOSPITALIZATION & REFERRAL Individuals showing signs and reporting symptoms consistent with a moderate to severe anger management problem may be referred for treatment require medical assistance, or psychiatric hospitalization if the situatuation involves safety issues for the individual or others.
SCREENING & EVALUATION Our initial screening and evaluation consists of an data collection specific to the individuals use of anger to cope with daily living issures and relationships as well as assessment for other mental health and/or chemical dependency problems. An individualized treatment plan is developed to address the client's identified problems.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM The anger management program's primary focus are on: (1) Learning new healthy ways to cope with anger; (2) Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan; (3) Understanding the relationship between chemical dependency, mental health, and anger; (4) Personalizing The Cycle of Anger/Violence;(5) Role Stereotyping; (6) Power and Control issues; (7) Conflict Resolution; (8) EmpathY for the Victims; (9) Stress Management and (10) Aftercare Planning. Clients are encouraged in our anger management classes in Louisville Ky to be involved in self-help support programs when appropriate. Individual sessions are used to monitor progress, assist client in dealing with defenses and denial, and to redirect the treatment direction.
MEDICATIONS Medication is sometimes necessary to assist an individual with at least temporary management of their anger problems. This is managed through our contracted physicians at our office or through referral to a local physician or psychiatrist.
DUALLY DIAGNOSED CLIENTS Individuals with a moderate to severe anger management problem complicated by the use of alcohol or drugs or other psychiatric problems may also require medical assistance and/or other treatment.
ROLE OF THE THERAPIST in ourLouisville Anger Management Program is assisting in: identifying antecedents and consequences outbursts; facilitating understanding of anger(normal range); identifying issues of anger from the past; facilitating "letting go"; identifying anger and rage; identifying the affect of anger on intimate relationships; identifying manipulation; encouraging taking of responsibility for feelings; expressions of anger; problem solving current issues of anger to resolve conflicts; identifiying potential for violent or anger outburst; providing a safe, non-threatening environment ; teaching use of alternative stress and anger releasors; identifying nature, and precipitants of the aggressive behavior; identification and increased awareness of the escalators of aggressive behavior; clarifying and interpreting the dynamics of aggressive impulses; resolving the dynamics of aggression; reinforcement use skills; discuss alternative ways of expressing emotions appropriately; encourage verbalizing need to be aggressive rather than be impulsive; encourage recreational outlet for aggression; facilitate person to benefit from the experience by reviewing choices, points of intervention as well as what would have been helpful.
DISCHARGE CRITERIA Clients demonstrate consistent use of average to good anger management skills in problem situations before discharge. Client will report mild to no anger management problems, with no to little complication due to mental health or alcohol or drugs issues.
AFTERCARE PROGRAM Each client completes an Aftercare Plan, and reviews the plan with his/her Therapist. Continued Aftercare Counseling is encouraged after completing regular sessions. Reports will be provided to referral agencies in our court ordered anger management classes.