Author Archives: Thomas Wilson

Anger Management Classes Help Develop Skills for Coping with Anger and Conflict

Anger Management seems to be a popular subject these days.  Anything from Charlie Sheen’s new television sitcom to court ordered anger management classes for celebrities, sports heroes and fans, and even politicians and your everyday Joe.  No one seems to know, understand or use proper anger management and rage control techniques and skills as basic as ‘think before you speak’ or just walk away until you cool off.  Unfortunately the lack of these skills can land you in legal hot water, jail or even in the hospital.
One thing is for sure, it does require an extra effort from those that seem to have a short fuse to begin with.It doesn’t have to be this way.  Some simple tools and skills for managing stress, emotions and anger are at your fingertips if you just learn to use them.
Tom Wilson, LCPC, suggests that even those that are not court ordered to take an anger management class should consider taking one BEFORE something explosive happens.  He has even developed a new Cognitive Self Change class that gives you the tools for dealing with volatile situations using new approaches to manage anger and resolve conflict.
Here are some suggestions to use in your life.
First, learn to recognize the cues of anger;
  1. Physical Cues (how your body responds; e.g., with an increased heart rate, tightness in the chest, feeling hot or flushed)
  2. Behavioral Cues (what you do; e.g., clench your fists, raise your voice, stare at others)
  3. Emotional Cues (other feelings that may occur along with anger; e.g., fear, hurt, jealousy, disrespect)
  4. Cognitive or thought Cues (what you think about in response to the event; e.g., hostile self-talk, images of aggression and revenge)

And second, use what are called “Anger Reducers” to deal with hot emotions before they trigger an aggressive response;

Anger Reducer #1: Deep Breathing
How to use: When you recognize your cues, tell yourself “Relax, stay cool or other words to signal the start or relaxation. Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Imagine that you are trying to keep a feather a float with your breath. Use deep breathing until your cues subside.

Anger Reducer #2: Backward counting from 20 to 1
How to use: As soon as you experience a cue, start counting backwards from 20 to 1 until your cues are lessened. Repeat if necessary.

Anger Reducer # 3: Switch Thinking to a Calm Scene or Distraction
How to use: As soon as you experience an anger cue, it becomes your signal to switch your thoughts to a calm scene or distraction until you feel calmer.

Anger Reducer #4: Time Out
How to use: As soon as you experience your cues or see the other person getting too angry to talk to take a personal T/O (excuse yourself) or suggest you come back to the discussion later. It takes a minimum of 20 minutes to an hour before your flight or fight system can calm down.

We can’t always anticipate what will trigger our anger but we can control how we respond if we stop and think BEFORE we react.
ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.

Does Alec Baldwin Need Anger Management? Los Angeles Times Takes a Poll.

The Los Angeles Time reports that “Alec Baldwin went on a homophobic, profanity-laden online rant Thursday before shutting down his Alec Baldwin Foundation Twitter account, all in defense of his pregnant wife Hilaria, whom a Daily Mail reporter had apparently errantly accused of tweeting while the couple attended James Gandolfini’s funeral.”

Alec Baldwin’s pregnant wife Hilaria was tweeting about Rachael Ray and gifts during James Gandolfini’s funeral. Baldwin replied with words of denial and retaliation against the reporter on Thursday night and into Friday.

The LA times discovered the tweets weren’t happening while the funeral was going on.
However, damage had been done.  Baldwin called Daily Mail writer George Stark a “toxic little queen” and “lying little bitch,” and suggested Stark would enjoy forcible sodomy — specifically a foot up the rear. The actor also threatened to find the writer and mess him up.

The LA Times is conducting an online poll on whether he needs Anger Management Classes or Damage Control here: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-horsey-on-hollywood-alec-baldwin-queen-20130703,0,7548221.story.

Before taking the poll, read about Online Anger Management Classes to learn what they are about.

In our live anger management class this week our group will discuss that it’s not what  happens to you that’s important, it’s how you handle what happens to you.

 

Alcohol Facilitates Aggression Among Those Who Express Anger Outwardly

Originally published in an issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research


Alcohol and aggressive behavior are clearly linked. A study of the effects of anger on alcohol-related aggression has found that intoxicated individuals will display more facial expressions of anger than will sober individuals. Individuals who express anger outwardly are at particularly high risk of alcohol-related aggression when strongly provoked.

The relationship between alcohol and aggressive behavior is well known. The modulating effects of personality and anger on alcohol-related aggression, however, are less clear. A study of drinkers’ facial expressions of anger, published in an issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, finds that drinking alcohol may place those individuals with a tendency toward anger at greater risk of becoming aggressive.

“When most people think of anger, they probably think of the emotional state,” said Amos Zeichner, professor and director of the Psychology Clinic at the University of Georgia, and corresponding author for the study. “This is when we get mad in response to some form of provocation. The personality trait of anger refers to a person’s general tendency to experience chronic anger over time. Such an individual tends to search in his or her environment for stimuli that may activate feelings of anger, which may explain why he or she is more often angry compared with a person who does not have this personality trait.”

The association between alcohol and aggression is huge, according to Robert O. Pihl, professor of psychology and psychiatry at McGill University. “Alcohol is involved in half of all murders, rapes and assaults,” he said. “But the dynamics of this association are complicated, which is why any research that focuses on elucidating this relationship is important for society in general.”

Researchers recruited 136 male social drinkers between the ages of 18 and 30 years from undergraduate psychology courses and via local media advertisements. During a 20-minute session (followed by a 10-minute waiting period): the alcohol group (63) consumed two beverages consisting of ethanol and orange juice, bringing them to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%; the control group (73) consumed two beverages consisting of just orange juice. Participants were told they were then going to compete against another individual on a “reaction time” task, during which they might receive electric shocks from their opponent. While engaged in this fictitious task, which included both high and low shock levels or “provocation,” the participants’ experience of anger was unobtrusively assessed using the Facial Action Coding System, which classifies all observable facial activity into 44 unique “action units.” Intoxicated participants displayed more facial expressions of anger than sober participants.

“Practically, facial expression is probably one of the best ways of knowing if someone is angry,” said Pihl. “Even infants can detect that emotionality. And frankly, how else are you going to measure anger? Asking somebody doesn’t work because people are not very good at discerning their emotions, and sometimes they just lie. That’s why Paul Ekman’s Facial Action Coding System has been proven so valuable in discerning lying, anger, and other kinds of things.”

Intoxicated participants also demonstrated a positive relationship between facial expressions of anger and the tendency to express anger outwardly after high (but not low) provocation.

“Alcohol intoxication brings out people’s natural tendencies in the expression of anger,” said Dominic Parrott, the graduate student who conducted the study. “Our findings strengthen the notion that alcohol increases the likelihood that certain drinkers, particularly those with the tendency to be angry and to express their anger outwardly, become aggressive when provoked.”

The term, “Anger-Out,” reflects an individual’s tendency to express his or her anger outwardly, such as verbal aggression (yelling or screaming) and/or physical aggression towards inanimate objects (kicking the wall) or other individuals (punching or shoving). “Anger-In” is the tendency toward “fuming,” “churning inwardly,” or “boiling up” with anger. Individuals with high levels of this trait may not express their anger outwardly, yet they still do not effectively cope with their anger. “Anger-Control” reflects a person’s tendency to control or cope with his or her anger in a way that reduces the likelihood of anger-related outbursts or “seething.”

“If individuals tend to express their anger outwardly,” said Zeichner, “alcohol will ‘turn up the volume,’ so that such a person will express anger more frequently and more intensely. A heightened response will most likely occur when the provocation against the drinker is a strong one, and will less likely occur when the individual is experiencing a low provocation and is sober.”

In summary, said Zeichner and Parrott, “our findings suggest that we need to understand that emotions and their regulation play an important role in the relationship between drinking and behaving aggressively. If this role is proven true, then it would be helpful to teach certain drinkers to moderate their use of alcohol, help them to effectively cope with their anger and, finally, learn how to respond to provocation in a de-escalating manner.”


Online Anger Management Classes at Tom Wilson Counseling Center
www.onlineangerclasses.com

Online Anger Management Courses by author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”

Online Anger Management Classes and Conflict Management Classes
Online Conflict Management and Anger Management Classes for court with a Licensed Counselor. 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, 16 hour, or 32 hour classes available. Also referred to as Anger Control, Anger Techniques, Anger Training, Rage Control, Conflict Management. Approved by courts, judges, attorneys, agencies, probation, parole, colleges, universities, and employers. Get court approval before enrolling for legal requirements. 

All classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression,” an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center and online. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. Instructor credentials can be viewed here: www.tomwilsoncounseling.com
Contact us at support@twccsolutions.com or call Toll Free 1.877.368.9909 during office hours; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm MDT/MST with questions. If you call before or after our regular office hours, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

www.OnlineAngerClasses.com

Online Anger Management Class and Conflict Management Class

Online Conflict Management and Anger Management Classes for court with a Licensed Counselor. 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, 16 hour, or 32 hour classes available. Also referred to as Anger Control, Anger Techniques, Anger Training, Rage Control, Conflict Management. Approved by courts, judges, attorneys, agencies, probation, parole, colleges, universities, and employers. Get court approval before enrolling for legal requirements. 
All classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression,” an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center and online. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. Instructor credentials can be viewed here: www.tomwilsoncounseling.com
Contact us at support@twccsolutions.com or call Toll Free 1.877.368.9909 during office hours; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm MDT/MST with questions. If you call before or after our regular office hours, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

www.OnlineAngerClasses.com

Superbowl Fans Need Anger Management Skills

Football Fans need to keep their cool this Superbowl Sunday

Tom Wilson Counseling Center – Anger Management

If you are attending a Superbowl party this weekend that includes fans from both teams you might want to bone up on your Anger Management skills.  It is important to remember that this is a game for entertainment but the addition of rowdy participants and alcohol could cause some tempers to escalate.  Keep these facts in mind if you feel your level of anger rising.


Definition of Anger

Anger is seen as the emotional response to actual or imagined provocation or threat. In these pictures, the railroad tracks represent anger, while the train represents aggression, or the physical response to anger.

Purpose of Anger

Anger, when it is controlled can provide the energy needed to solve a problem, stand up for one’s rights and help overcome obstacles to goals that have been temporarily blocked. However, when anger leads to aggression, anger is being misused.

Definition of Aggression

Aggression in relationships is any behavior or action intended to harm, control, or dominate others. Although anger can lead to aggression, most people do not resort to physical or verbal aggression.

How is it Different?

Aggression differs from anger because of the severity, intensity and long-lasting nature of it’s consequences.

Are We Born Aggressive?

Aggression is learned socially. Most aggressive behaviors are learned early in life and passed on from one member of a family to another. Other times aggressive behaviors are learned in one’s environment or culture.

Instrumental or Planned Aggression

Aggression without anger can be seen as a desire to exert control over another person rather than as a need to express anger. Examples include robberies, gang violence, organized criminal activity, and terrorism. In intimate partner relationships, making threats of violence, destroying personal property, controlling social contacts and taking control of financial resources are examples of a need for control.

Types of Aggression – “All I did was push him/her out of my face”

Physical Aggression or abuse includes: Pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, grabbing, restraining, blocking exit, using a weapon, spitting, bumping into, biting, unwanted sexual or other physical contact.

Psychological Aggression or abuse includes: Name-calling, criticizing, threatening to harm self or others, threatening with a weapon, making unwanted phone calls, going to a place where someone works against their wishes, unwanted contact, controlling contacts with friends, checking up on someone, showing up at a person’s residence against a court order, calling a person stupid or other put downs, using body language to intimidate or scare them.

Direct Aggression

Direct physical, psychological or verbal acts.

Indirect Aggression (Passive-Aggressive)

Indirectly expressing anger by forgetting an important date or event. Being late, making a sarcastic comment, playing practical jokes, intentional inefficiency or “dragging your feet.” Indirect aggression is often accompanied by resentment.

Reactive Aggression

Self defense is an example of becoming aggressive for self-preservation. In determining your level of defensive aggression, you must consider the risks and consequences of defensive aggression.

Rage Reactions

Some persons may have such poor control over their anger, that they “see red” and lose control over aggressive feelings, not remembering what triggered them. These persons may have brain functioning problems and do not plan their reactions at all. They may require medical treatment in addition to anger management counseling.

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.

REGISTER FOR

8 Hour Online Anger Management Class $150.00
12 Hour Online Anger Management Class $225.00
16 Hour Online Anger Management Class $300.00
32 Hour Online Anger Management Class $600.00

Online Anger Management Class

Reduce Risks Associated with Anger 

Tom Wilson Counseling Center now offers a 4 Hour Online Anger Management Class.  This class is helpful for those who are court ordered to take Anger Management or for those that just need some help and guidance managing their anger.  
  • Work in the service industry and have issues dealing with holiday customers?
  • Have children that constantly push your buttons?  
  • Is your marriage having conflicts because one or both of your cannot control your anger? 
  • Does your employer want you to learn better skills for dealing with difficult customers?  
  • Are you an unruly football or sports fan that has trouble dealing with the opposing team’s fans?  
These are all good reasons to seek education and skills for managing your anger.  
These classes teach participants specific skills to control anger and resolve conflicts with others. Participants learn the consequences of anger and aggression and how to recognize “early warning” signs and reduce risks for aggressive behavior. It also includes guidelines for regaining self control, de-escalating anger, using effective responses to criticism, constructive communication, steps to resolving conflicts and negotiating differences with others.
ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselorwho is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression“, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. 

Anger Management Classes by a Licensed Counselor

Avoid Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Anger Management Class © 2012 Thomas Wilson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

If you are required to complete an anger management class, then taking an anger management class online is a great alternative for meeting your court requirements. The court often requires you to complete anger managment classes before releasing you from supervision.

However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide anger management counseling. 
Anger management classes are taught by professionals who are licensed in counseling and have several years of experience.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 
Normally these classes are called anger managment classes.  Remember that anger management classes are not the same as domestic violence classes, which can be 26 to 52 weeks in length.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs. 

Anger Management Tips

10 Tips to Help Tame Anger

Do you find yourself fuming when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure go through the roof when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion — but it’s important to deal with it in a positive way. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and your relationships.

Ready to get your anger under control? Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.

No. 1: Take a timeout

Counting to 10 isn’t just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.

No. 2: Once you’re calm, express your anger

As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non-confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.
 

No. 3: Get some exercise

Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you’re about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.
 

No. 4: Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.
 

No. 5: Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child’s messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won’t fix anything, and might only make it worse. 

No. 6: Stick with ‘I’ statements

To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use “I” statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, “I’m upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes,” instead of, “You never do any housework.”

No. 7: Don’t hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.
 

No. 8: Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Don’t use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.
 

No. 9: Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, “Take it easy.” You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
 

No. 10: Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. You might explore local anger management classes or anger management counseling. With professional help, you can:

  • Learn what anger is
  • Identify what triggers your anger
  • Recognize signs that you’re becoming angry
  • Learn to respond to frustration and anger in a controlled, healthy way
  • Explore underlying feelings, such as sadness or depression
Anger management classes and counseling can be done individually, with your partner or other family members, or in a group. Request a referral from your doctor to a counselor specializing in anger management, or ask family members, friends or other contacts for recommendations. Your health insurer, employee assistance program (EAP), clergy, or state or local agencies also might offer recommendations.

Online Anger and Conflict Management Classes at Tom Wilson Counseling

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.

 8 Hour Online Anger Management Class: $150.00
12 Hour Online Anger Management Class: $225.00
16 Hour Online Anger Management Class: $300.00

8 Hour Online Cognitive Self-Change / Conflict Management Class: $150.00
16 Hour Online Cognitive Self-Change / Conflict Management Class: $300.00

Anger Management classes for NFL Fans

NFL Fan Therapy: Unruly get Anger Management

by Roz Zurko at Examiner.com

NFL fans will end up in therapy if their conduct warrants an ejection from the game, as the National Football League is cracking down on the fans that demonstrate uncontrollable anger, alcohol abuse and crude behavior. If you get ejected from a game you will be sent a letter encouraging an apology to the team. The letter will also inform you that it’s mandatory that you do an online course of therapy if you ever want to go see an NFL game in-person again, according to ESPN.

This new NFL plan of action comes into play this year. This online course that you’d be expected to complete will cost you. The cost varies by team such as the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons charge the least amount of all the teams at $50. The New England Patriots therapy course will set you back the most out of all the NFL teams at $100.

If you try to get back into a game without doing the mandatory course of therapy, you will be arrested for trespassing. The teams are expected to use the technology of facial recognition to monitor the fans that have been ejected and didn’t complete the course. If they try to come back in, the NFL is planning to follow through with arresting them for trespassing.

While you might think there are at best a handful of people that get ejected from the games each year, think again. Last year about 7,000 fans were booted from the NFL games.

The reasons range from lighting up inside the stadium to starting fights with other fans. Some of the teams are known to be strict in certain areas of fan conduct like the Oakland Raiders who have a zero tolerance for smoking. That team can boot up to 300 fans a game for smoking.

The four-hour online course has 12 chapters including “Skills in Stress Management,” “The Cost of Alcohol Abuse in America,” along with many other’s like “Communication is King.” If you think you can just let it play out on your laptop and breeze through it, you’re sadly mistaken. The course comes complete with pop quizzes that you must do on the spot, according to Newser.

It looks like the days of putting on a team’s jersey and going to the game as your defiant alter-ego are over. If you plan on demonstrating behavior that goes against the code of fan conduct for that team, you will pay one way or another!

Reference: ESPN, Newser

Tom Wilson Counseling Center offers 8, 12 and 16 Hour Online Anger Management classes.

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression“, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.