An Enlightened Public Discovers Anger Management Intervention

The recent pattern of referrals to anger management classes shows a dramatic shift in the profiles of the clients enrolled. Over the last ten years most referrals were from the courts for misdemeanor offenses and infractions with aggressive behavior being the most common reason for the court order. Recently, I sat in on a class as a Guest Facilitator. When the group members were asked to introduce themselves and indicate their goals and reasons for seeking anger management, the majority of clients were volunteers who wanted to gain a better control of their expressions of anger and stress, enhance communication skills and learn to be more emotionally intelligent. Several clients were parents who were concerned over their own hurtful behavior towards their children.

EMPLOYER REFERRALS

The second client group was employees who were mandated by their employers to complete an anger management course as a result of aggressive, rude or insensitive behavior at work. These clients were initially resistant to share information about themselves until they had a chance to hear from the larger number of self referrals who view the class as a positive experience to improve their interpersonal skills. Most of the mandated clients expressed surprise that others were coming voluntarily. This realization quickly helps them see their mandated status as a blessing in disguise since they are given an opportunity to learn important new skills at their employer's expense. Those mandated by the courts responded similarly.

COURT MANDATED REFERRALS

The smaller group of clients who were ordered to attend from 10 to 52 weeks of anger management as the result of road rage, simple battery, threats, harassment or some other person- directed aggression are quickly influenced by the other clients to take the course seriously and actively participate.

In summary, the change in referral patterns indicates that the enlightened public is rapidly recognizing anger management as a positive opportunity to learn skills in managing stress, anger and improving communication skills and developing emotional intelligence. Self-referral and employer-referrals are now the norm which reflects the public's acceptance as a legitimate intervention for anger which is too intense, lasts too long or leads to aggressive behavior or to person directed violence.

[from George Anderson, MSW]

For more information, please contact

Dr. Steven J. Sinert
Certified Anger Management Provider & Coach
Nevada Anger Management, LLC
5812 S. Pecos Road, Suite B
Las Vegas, NV 89120
702 353 1750
www.nevadaangermanagement.com