Anger Management

Anger is not an isolated problem. It impacts the entire family. Yet, the parent with the anger episodes is often the only one who receives treatment, while the other parent and children are left with unresolved and often unexpressed emotions. To help the family unit have a voice and heal, Renew offers anger management using a family therapy model that extends participation to the children and other parent. It is important to note, this is not an intimate partner violence intervention, but rather a therapeutic approach to treating anger that has not led to a physical altercation.

Treatment:

Renew’s approach to anger management therapy utilizes interventions consistent with cognitive behavioural and solution-focused therapies, and a restorative justice model. The reciprocal relationship between feelings, thinking, and behaviour are fundamental; changing one often changes the other. Similarly, with family therapy sessions, joint meetings are scheduled with family members in various combinations so that the offending parent can hear and understand the impact of their anger on the family; and, that those impacted can have a safe space to share their voice.

During counselling, the therapist may identify underlying contributing factors to the client’s anger that may require additional treatment. In such cases, the therapist may recommend additional forms of treatment that may run concurrently with the anger management therapy.

Duration:

Anger is a complex emotion with many contributing factors that, for some, include mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, and mental health conditions. For many, anger has significantly harmed a relationship with a partner and children, therefore, each person’s journey is unique. Anger management therapy through Renew is not based on a prescribed number of sessions but rather on an individualized plan of care grounded in the therapeutic relationship that can vary greatly in length from client to client.

Clinical Intake Consultation (CIC):

Unfortunately, some referrals are not suitable for anger management therapy as offered through Renew, even when self-referred or court ordered. Careful screening and intake at the outset are important to determine suitability. This intake stage is called a Clinical Intake Consultation (CIC).

During the CIC, the therapist will interview the client, participating family members, and other professionals involved with the case, ex parte (e.g., lawyers, parole and probation, CAS, past or current treatment facilitators, social workers, or coaches). In addition, the therapist will request and review all documentation they deem relevant to the file, including Court Orders, police reports, medical reports, CAS reports, and status reports from other treatment programs.

Criterion that may rule out a client out from moving from the CIC to anger management therapy, can include:

• Missed sessions with the therapist or failure to cooperate
• Unwilling to provide consent for therapist to communicate with collateral sources
• Unmanaged substance use disorders or mental health conditions
• Unwilling to accept therapist’s treatment plan which may include participating in other treatment programs or interventions
• Failure to pay service fees

Status Reports:

At the close of the CIC, a summary report is provided, with additional status reports available as requested by the client. The therapist’s report speaks to attendance, level of participation, goals, obstacles in the treatment process, and client successes.

Expectations:

Anger management does not provide a quick fix. Please keep in mind that steps forward coupled with a step or two backwards often characterizes good and sustainable change. This should be expected as a normal part of the process and provides an opportunity to learn from and correct mistakes..