Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. An Anger Management Program is a structured set of techniques, therapies, and activities designed to help individuals recognize the signs of their anger, understand the triggers behind it, and learn healthy ways to express and control their emotions.

The main goals of an anger management program are:

• To reduce emotional and physical arousal that anger can cause.
• To teach coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
• To promote better communication and conflict resolution.
• To improve self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Several approaches we use in this program include the following (but not limited to)...

• Assessment and Evaluation
  • Identify the intensity, frequency, and triggers of anger.
  • Use interviews, questionnaires, or anger scales (e.g., STAXI - State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory).
  • Explore the patient’s history (trauma, mental health issues, substance use).
• Psychoeducation
  • Teach the patient about anger as a normal emotion, not inherently "bad."
  • Explain the physiological and psychological responses to anger.
  • Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger.
• Awareness Training
  • Help the patient recognize early signs of anger (e.g., muscle tension, rapid heartbeat).
  • Increase self-awareness of thoughts and feelings leading up to anger.
• Trigger Identification
  • Work with the patient to map out personal anger triggers (situations, people, thoughts).
  • Explore patterns through journaling or discussion.
• Cognitive Restructuring
  • Challenge irrational or distorted thinking that fuels anger.
  • Replace "hot thoughts" (e.g., "This is unfair!") with more rational, calming self-talk.
• Skill Building
  • Teach coping strategies like:
    • Deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
    • Timeout strategies (walking away, cooling off).
    • Problem-solving skills.
    • Assertive (not aggressive) communication.
• Behavioral Interventions
  • Role-play real-life scenarios to practice responses.
  • Use exposure techniques to practice staying calm in triggering situations.
• Emotion Regulation Training
  • Incorporate mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques (from DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
  • Teach how to sit with emotions without reacting impulsively.
• Relapse Prevention
  • Plan for setbacks.
  • Teach strategies to deal with future anger episodes.
  • Create a personalized anger management plan.
• Follow-Up and Support
  • Monitor progress and adjust techniques as needed.

This 12-step program comprises of 10 therapy sessions (1 hr each), activities and assignments, can be completed between 1-2months duration. Single therapy therapy can also be utilised, cost 30,000NGN / 1 hr session, and 50,000NGN / 2hrs session.