Anger Management: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

CE Course Description

Reducing frequent and intense anger and its destructive consequences can lead to improved physical and mental health of individuals and families. The purpose of this intermediate level continuing education course, developed using information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is to outline the components of a 12-week cognitive–behavioral anger management group treatment model for substance abuse and mental health clients who are experiencing anger control issues. Elements of weekly sessions are described in detail with specific instructions for group leaders, tables and exhibits that illustrate the key conceptual components of the treatment, and between-session challenges for group members.  In addition, a brief outline of research demonstrating clinically significant anger reduction effects as a result of CBT interventions is presented.

Author: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CE Course Objectives

1. Recognize the purpose, conceptual framework, and rationale for anger management treatment.
2. Discuss the payoffs, consequences, and myths associated with the inappropriate expression of anger.
3. Learn to analyze and identify an anger episode and the events that indicate an escalation of anger.
4. Exhibit an understanding of cognitive behavioral strategies for controlling anger including cognitive restructuring and thought stopping.
5. Review the Conflict Resolution Model of anger management and learn to recognize assertive responses to anger rather than aggressive or passive responses.
6. Examine the relationship between responses to anger and past familial interactions and how one's past has influenced thoughts, feelings, and attitudes.
7. Identify how anger management group leaders can encourage and support efforts to develop anger control plans and to balance cognitive, behavioral, immediate, and preventive strategies.

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Course overview and objectives (5 mins)

How To Use This Manual (10 mins)

1. Guidance on utilizing the manual effectively (10 mins)

Session 1: Overview of Group Anger Management Treatment (15 mins)

1. Introduction to group treatment structure and goals (15 mins)

Session 2: Events and Cues (15 mins)

1. Understanding the conceptual framework for recognizing triggers and cues for anger (15 mins)

Session 3: Anger Control Plans (15 mins)

1. Helping participants develop personalized plans for controlling anger (15 mins)

Session 4: The Aggression Cycle (15 mins)

1. Identifying the stages of the aggression cycle and strategies to change it (15 mins)

Session 5: Cognitive Restructuring (20 mins)

1. The A-B-C-D Model (10 mins)
2. Thought Stopping (10 mins)

Session 6: Practice Session #1 (10 mins)

1. Reinforcing learned concepts (10 mins)

Sessions 7 & 8: Assertiveness Training and Conflict Resolution Model (20 mins)

1. Alternatives for expressing anger (20 mins)

Sessions 9 & 10: Anger and the Family (20 mins)

1. How past learning influences present behavior(20 mins)

Session 11: Practice Session #2 (10 mins)

1. Reinforcing the learned concepts (10 mins)

Session 12: Closing and Graduation (25 mins)

1. Closing Exercise (20 mins)
2. Award of Certificates (5 mins)

Additional Resources

1. References (not timed)