Author Archives: Thomas Wilson

Avoid Simple Mistakes When Selecting the Right Online Anger Management Class

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 for Everyone

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.  These days with the economy in the toilet, the upcoming elections and the ever popular prophecies of the End of the World scenarios predicted on December 21, 2012, people are more on the edge than ever before and no wonder. 
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.
ANGER MANAGEMENT / CONFLICT MANAGEMENT CLASSES:
Cognitive Self-Change / Thinking Errors 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. 
 

Rowdy Football Fans Required to take Anger Management Class Online

Rowdy Football Fans Required to Take Anger Management Class Online

 Here’s a story published by by First Coast News:

“JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking at joining several other NFL teams and requiring an online anger management course for fans ejected for bad behavior.

When the Jaguars kick off on Sunday afternoon, you can count on Linda Riggs being in the crowd. Riggs has been to more than 170 games and is currently the president of the Jacksonville Jaguars booster club. She’s seen her share of bad behavior.

They literally get in fights, and the language. I don’t understand why people have to get so out of sorts with a game,” said Riggs. “It really irritates me when I pay good money to see that game without all that. Most of the problems are alcohol-related, with the drinking getting out of hand.”

Sharon Sturges loves Jaguars football. “There’s no place I’d rather be on a football afternoon than at the stadium seeing the Jaguars,” she said.

As an eight-year season ticket holder, Sturges has seen her share of rowdy fans.

“Two people will be arguing, all of a sudden a couple more join in and pretty soon another is added, somebody from three rows up dives in and it’s a melee. It’s unbelievable people act that way.”

The Jaguars said that on average, about a dozen fans a game are ejected. They are looking at joining other teams in the league that require an online anger management course developed for the league. The course educates the fan on alcohol awareness, how disruptive behavior effects other fans and teaches them coping skills to act more appropriate at the stadium.

Currently eight teams are participating, including the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Some require the course before being allowed back in to another game. In some cases, if fans don’t take the course and are ejected again, then they face loss of their season tickets.

“Something needs to be done,” said Sturges. “I think maybe they need a little support, maybe direction on how to be adults and how to have a good time without being drunk.”

Riggs added, “They’ve just got to learn you can’t control the world. It doesn’t work they way you want it to.”

Four-year season ticket holder Ron Johnson says he’s all for it.

“If you’ve got fans that just come there to cause problems, get disruptive to a point you can’t even enjoy, or your safety is a concern, yeah I definitely agree with that move by the NFL,” said Johnson outside a Jacksonville Suns game he was attending.

The Jaguars are formulating their policy and it’s enforcement and penalties according to the team. Dan Edwards of the Jaguars says that varies from team to team. ”

Anger Management Class

Drinking and Aggression Among University Students
Aggression and violence among university students often involve alcohol consumption. A new study has found that both drinking levels and drinking contexts are important. Aggression is more likely when students drink at a fraternity, sorority or campus residence, and when a partner is present. Attending parties also increases the risk of aggression, especially for women. A significant proportion of university students experience violence, under circumstances that often involve alcohol. 
“A number of studies have shown that university students experience a wide range of harms related to alcohol consumption, including aggression,” said Samantha Wells, a scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and corresponding author for the study. 
Aggression among university students likely reflects aggression in society, said Tim Stockwell, professor and director of the Centre forBehaviorAddictions Research of B.C. at the University of Victoria.  “I would not expect students to have lower or higher levels,” he said.  “Aggression and violence are features of group drinking situations, in general, especially where these involve groups of young men who are strangers to each other and are in competition in various ways.”
To better understand what may increase risk of aggression among students, Wells and her colleagues used data collected through the 2004 Canadian Campus Survey, a national survey of 6,282 students at 40 universities.  Responses from 4,387 (64.3% female, 35.7% percent male) respondents were analyzed, focusing on the students three most recent drinking events.
“We found that that the more drinks students consumed, the greater their likelihood of experiencing aggression,” said Wells.  “We also found that aggression was more likely when students drank at a fraternity, sorority or residence, when their partner was present, andBehaviorwhen they drank at three or more places on the same occasion.  Drinking at a party also increased the likelihood of aggression, especially women.  Conversely, aggression was less likely when students had a meal.”
Given that the researchers controlled the alcohol intake as well as living arrangements, Wells said there is something about fraternities, sororities and campus residences that is particularly risky for students.  “We need to understand what it is about these settings that make them particularly risky for aggression,” she said.  “Is it, for example, that large parties, such as keg parties, are held in these settings?  Is it that drinking in these settings involves heightened concerns with masculinity?”
Wells added that the finding of greater aggression among women than men at parties was consistent with previous research showing that women tend to report aggression with people they know and at home, whereas men are more likely to report aggression with strangers in public places.  “Prevention programs that focus on preparing women for the risks associated with drinking at parties might help to reduce their likelihood of experiencing aggression,” she said.  “However, more research would be useful to determine, for example, who women are fighting with and whether they are victims, mutual participants, or perpetrators.” Both Wells and Stockwell suggested that findings from this study can be used for policy and prevention purposes.
Behavior“The risk of alcohol-related violence is usually associated with a combination of intoxication and certain predictable social situations,” said Stockwell, “mostly involving a degree of conflict or frustration.  When people are intoxicated, they are less able or inclined to resolve these situations peaceably.  Measures to reduce the risk of aggression and violence need to address not only reducing conflict and stress in drinking situations but also moderating the amount people actually drink.  Both the amount people drink and the drinking context – for example, the size of the drinking group, type of drinking setting, whether or not a partner is present – increased risk of alcohol-related aggression and violence.” Wells agreed.  “The present research clearly identifies an important role of alcohol in aggression,” she said, “therefore prevention programs need to focus on reducing excessive drinking among college students.  We found that drinking with a partner actually increased the likelihood of aggression.  This may reflect that aggression occurs between partners or that incidents of aggression arise due to jealousy concerns, similar to research on aggression in bars.  Therefore, programs that focus on preventing partner violence and other relationship-related conflicts may be highly effective.  In addition, programs that promote the consumption of food, and encourage people to stay in one place rather than going from one drinking place to another, may likewise reduce the occurrence of alcohol-related aggression.”
Click on links below for more information or to begin registration.
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.

Anger Management: Actor Popular on FX

American cable viewers love them some Charlie Sheen. America really, really loves Charlie Sheen in his role teaching  Anger Mangement. They love Charlie Sheen the way Kardashians hate shame.

According to E! Online, critics gave the ex-“Two and a Half Men” star’s new FX comedy “Anger Management” – based loosely on the Adam Sandler-Jack Nicholson comedy of the same name – a good, handy drubbing. Then again, critics – for what do we even really need you? Viewers make or break shows in the end, not good or bad reviews, and the recent premiere on FX set new network records that might guarantee the show a ludicrous extended order.

Sean Penn Completes Anger Management Classes

Sean Penn Completes Anger Management Classes Ordered by the Court

Actor-director Sean Penn has successfully completed the anger management classes he was ordered to take following a showdown with a photographer in 2009.

The 51-year-old pleaded no contest to vandalism after clashing with a paparazzo and as a result a charge of battery was dismissed – but in addition to probation, Penn was ordered to attend 36 hours of anger management classes. He was given top marks for his progress during a hearing in January and Penn has now completed the course, his lawyer told a court on Friday, reported TMZ Online.

However, Penn will remain on probation until next May.

Anger Management Counseling Ordered for Knocking out Victim’s Tooth

Anger Management Counseling Ordered for Knocking out Victim’s Tooth 
A man who Naperville police said knocked out a teenager’s tooth during an attempted robbery last summer has been ordered to undergo anger management counseling as part of his sentence in that case.
Michael D. Wisch, 18, must also write letters of apology to the two youths he accosted during that incident and have no further contact with them, according to records on file in DuPage County Circuit Court in Wheaton.
Wisch lives on the 600 block of Clover Court, in an unincorporated area of DuPage County near west-central Naperville. He was originally charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, a felony.
He pleaded guilty to a reduced, misdemeanor charge of battery causing bodily harm. Three companion charges of attempted robbery, aggravated battery in a public place and mob action were dismissed in exchange for his plea, court records showed.
The case against Wisch was originally continued from June 12 to Wednesday. Records indicated he instead pleaded guilty and was sentenced on July 16.
Judge Daniel P. Guerin that day ordered the anger management counseling and instructed Wisch to write the letters and stay away from the victims, according to records. Guerin also sentenced Wisch to three days in DuPage County Jail, time he has already served since being arrested, records showed.

These online anger management 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.
 
Available online anger managment classes: 8 hours, 12 hours, 16 hours.  
 
 


Men with anger issues should not drink alcohol

Why Men with High Levels of Anger and Low Anger Control Should Not Drink Alcohol

Behavior“Trait” anger is the term used to describe the general tendency to react angrily to situations as well as to experience frequent and intense episodes of anger. On the other hand, “State” anger is defined as a temporary emotional state. Individuals with high levels of trait anger, along with low levels of anger control, are likely to engage in alcohol-related aggression. Researchers suggest that these individuals are at high risk for aggression when drinking and should refrain from alcohol consumption.
Despite its powerful chemical effects on the brain, alcohol does not cause aggression in all persons or in all situations. Trait anger – a tendency to experience frequent and intense episodes of anger – has already been identified as a risk factor for alcohol-related aggression. Yet possessing high levels of trait anger does not necessarily guarantee that an intoxicated individual will become aggressive when provoked. A recent study found that a person’s inability to control the outward expression of their anger plays a key role in alcohol-related aggression. “Our previous research showed that men with high levels of trait anger are most at risk for becoming aggressive when they drink,” said Peter R. Giancola, associate professor of psychology, director of the University of Kentucky Alcohol Research Laboratory, and corresponding author for the study. “This study adds to that by showing that the combination of high trait anger and low anger control even further increases your risk.” “This topic is exceedingly relevant as, generally, alcohol intoxication co-occurs with violence in approximately half of all rapes, murders and assaults, including family violence,” added Robert O. Pihl, professor psychology and psychiatry at McGill University. “The significance of this correlation is typically ignored by society, possibly because the nature of the relationship between alcohol and aggression is still be argued. This study and others like it are slowly illuminating the alcohol/aggression relationship.”
Researchers examined 164 healthy male social drinkers (159 Caucasians, 5 African Americans) between the ages of 21 and 35 years who were recruited through local advertisements and paid for their participation. Trait anger and anger control were assessed with the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Participants were given either an alcoholic (1g/kg alcohol) or a placebo beverage, and then participated in a laboratory aggression task.
Higher levels of trait anger were associated with increased aggression, but only among men who were intoxicated and also reported low levels of anger control.
Behavior“Most if not all individuals who drink and drink heavily do so without becoming violent,” said Pihl. “Thus, the phenomenon invariably involves an alcohol effect, plus a specific type of situation, and the inability to deal with that situation. The Giancola paper suggests that the inability to control anger is an important factor in the equation. For individuals who fit the characteristics described by Giancola, drinking during emotionally provocative situations de facto is a license to aggress. Just like in the case of driving, this is a time these individuals should avoid alcohol. Further, these individuals might be wise to avail themselves of numerous intervention programs specifically designed to enhance anger control.”
Giancola added “research indicates that alcohol increases aggression by reducing fear, increasing arousal, and impairing cognitive functioning. However, being in this disinhibited state does not mean that one will necessarily become aggressive,” he said. “They might also become more talkative, jovial, or sexual.” The over-arching aim of his entire research program, said Giancola, is to determine what factors are most important in increasing one’s risk for intoxicated aggression.
“Once these risk factors are identified, we will attempt to prevent them in children,” he said.
To register for online Anger Management classes, visit http://www.tomwilsoncounseling.com/anger.html

Online Anger Management Classes Popular with Courts; Saving Time, Money and Hassle

Court ordered anger management classes have been standard requirements for a lot of defendants who have lost their temper and gotten into legal trouble. After attending a few sessions, the charges were either reduced or dismissed.

However,  courts in almost every state have suffered huge cutbacks in funding, staffing and time to deal with compliance. Like the courts, defendants are overwhelmed with fines and legal fees so attending in -person anger management classes has hidden costs that the courts never see.

In addition to the tuition for the class, there is the cost of transportation, lost wages from missed work, babysitting and time away from family and friends because of attending in-person classes.

Online Anger Management Classes have gained in popularity with both the courts and the defendants required to attend classes. One chief advantage is that these classes can be taken over the Internet, anytime of day or night, and they are monitored by state approved and licensed treatment professionals.

Secondly, online anger management classes allow defendants to complete their class on their own schedule, without having to leave their  homes or family. One online anger management program reports that clients increasingly use mobile devices, such as Tablets or Smart phones, to work on their classes in their spare time. 

Unexpectedly, courts find these clients spend more time on line than required, often commenting on the usefulness of the content. Courts who get positive feedback are also more likely to embrace this form of  E-counseling in the future.