Anger management

• Anger management is a therapeutic program designed to help offenders recognise and manage their anger, which may contribute to criminal behaviour. The approach involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of anger, helping individuals develop coping strategies and techniques to prevent violent outbursts and reduce aggressive behaviour.
• Anger management is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that was developed by Novaco. The three stages include:

  1. Cognitive preparation
  2. Skill acquisition
  3. Application practice
• The first stage is Cognitive Preparation:

  • Offenders are helped to recognise the triggers and patterns of their anger.
  • This stage involves reflecting on past incidents where anger played a role and identifying distorted thinking that contributes to anger.
• The second stage is Skill Acquisition:

  • Offenders are taught techniques such as relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring and assertiveness training to help them deal with anger-provoking situations more rationally and effectively.
  • Relaxation techniques help individuals calm down, while cognitive restructuring helps change irrational thoughts that lead to anger.
  • Assertiveness training helps them communicate more effectively.
• The third stage is Application Training:

  • It involves practicing the techniques in real-life situations, often through role-playing exercises within a monitored environment.
  • Successful negotiation of the role play would be met with positive reinforcement from the therapist.