1. Shop Around
Not every anger management class will work for every person. Each has its own methods, style and pace. Visit the Web sites of several providers or call their local offices about what methods they use to help their students learn to control and manage their temperament issues. Talk to friends and family that have taken anger classes and ask for recommendations.
2. Not for Everyone
Some people may think that they have anger management issues when in reality they are just emotional. Anger becomes an issue when it affects your life or others around you. Just losing your temper now and then does not necessarily mean you have anger management issues and should seek out a class. However, if people that you love are afraid of you or your reactions, or if you harm yourself or others either physically or emotionally, you are a very good candidate for anger management classes.
3. Good Anger
Some of the really necessary and great changes in the world have resulted from anger. The civil rights movement came from the anger over injustice to an entire race of people. There are situations in life when anger can be beneficial if you direct it towards a constructive and positive outcome. Now while you may not start a revolution, an anger management class can help you direct and reconstruct your anger into positive outlets that allow you to grow as a person.
4. Keep a Journal
Before going to an anger management class, write down how you feel and what made you act the way you did when you became angry. This journal will help you understand and relate specific instances to the professional leading the class. It will jump start your participation in the class and help you understand your own emotions better.
5. Help for Others
If there is someone you know that has problems with anger, talk to him about how his anger affects your life and why it is important to you and him that he attends an anger management class. Realize if he has anger issues, talking to him about it can make him angry, but it is important that you bring up subject before this person hurts you or himself. If you do not talk to him, authorities may step in and mandate he takes a class. It could be far better to approach the person before it comes to this.
About this Author
Karen Gibson, B.A., M.S.W., is a freelance writer with 20 years of writing experience who is passionate about nutrition and outdoor sports. She specializes is writing articles promoting a healthy lifestyle. Her work has been published in Backpacker magazine as well as on numerous national websites.
