Anger Management Program for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clients
Anger Control Plans
Timeouts: This is one elementary technique for anger management, which must figure in everybody's plans for anger control. This strategy may be utilized informally or formally. In its most basic form, timeout entails deep breathing for a while, followed by thinking rather than reacting. It can also imply leaving the anger-escalating setting or merely ceasing the anger-provoking discussion. Formally, timeouts incorporate one's relationships with others, i.e., family members, colleagues, and pals. Formally employing this technique entails having some prearranged plan or agreement, through which any involved party is able to request a timeout; every concerned party needs to agree to this in advance. If required, the individual demanding the timeout may leave the setting for a while, but must agree to return and finish or postpone the discussion for a later time, based on whether the involved parties believe they will be able to successfully solve the problem or not (Reilly, Shopshire, Durazzo, & Campbell, 2008). Timeouts work well when employed in combination with other tactics, too:
1. Take an informal or formal timeout
1. Talk to somebody you trust, i.e., a friend
1. Adopt Conflict Resolution Model for expressing anger
1. Go on a walk or...
Examine the underlying feelings responsible for one's anger
1. Attend 12-stage meetings (Reilly, Shopshire, Durazzo, & Campbell, 2008)
Relaxation via Breathing: The anger management session may be concluded through the practice of a relaxation exercise, namely: deep- breathing. One can independently practice the aforementioned exercise, by concentrating on one's breathing, taking a number of deep breaths, followed by attempting to release all tension built up in one's body. This exercise may be shortened -- only three deep exhalations and inhalations suffice in aiding one to relax in the event one's anger rises (Reilly, Shopshire, Durazzo, & Campbell, 2008).
Assertiveness Training for Angry Clients
Under the anger symptom control strategy, clients must be made aware of how assertiveness differs from anger. The former represents a mode of expressing one's views, feelings, needs, and wants, frankly and truthfully, without being rude or hostile. Further, assertiveness allows the client greater control and choice in life, while reducing the negative emotions they experience at present, due to aggressiveness (Marsh, Dale, & Willis, 2007 ).
Assertive Responses: For being assertive, a person needs to explain to others how they are feeling, without laying the blame…
