Wednesday, September 21, 2011

So much of our effort is put into addressing the bad behavior of professional sports players and it hasn't been until recently that the spot light has actually been on the fans.  Angry fans create a hostile environment for attending games.  Who wants to go to baseball or football game if you think you might get beat up for liking the "away" team.
Have we lost our humanity?  These are games!  I think us as spectators have completely lost perspective of the importance and meaning that professional games have in our life.  From a developmental perspective, we all go through a period in our life when we want to identify with something.  This identification can come in the form of music, school, sports, art, etc or we can identify with more negative influences such as alcohol or drugs.  Often the spectators who become violent about others who don't support their team are because they have over identified or objectified with the team in an unhealthy way.
I'm almost thinking the professional sports motto in general should be something like "Like us, but don't love us".  Liking a team is much easier and doesn't come with all the emotional baggage that love has.  So whether you live in Oakland, Los Angeles or New York, consider my suggestion.  Being passionate about a sports organization doesn’t mean you need to be polarized by it.  You can still appreciate that others might feel equally as passionate about their club as you do about yours.  We all have a right to stand behind the teams we adore, but it doesn’t mean we have the license to go and attack anyone else for not supporting our team or liking another.
Professional sports might need anger management classes now more than ever.  Not just the athletes, but the fans are in the spotlight for needing some serious help.  As the saying goes, “can’t we just all get along?”

In any event, anyone who has ever found themselves saying or doing things they regret at a game might really benefit from an short, simple, yet effective online educational anger management class.  Sports fans will learn civility by better understanding concepts in assertive communication, empathy and emotional awareness, stress management, and improving impulsivity.  While we all want to be proud of the teams we cherish, shouldn’t our obligation to humanity supersede our need to win?  I would certainly hope so.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Anger Classes Help with Relationship More than You Realize


Anger Management, Don't Wait Till a Relationship is Ruined

Anger problems can ruin a relationship before it has a real chance to grow, or even after 25 years of marriage. For some the most effective answer to control anger is online anger management courses.  The real problem isn’t always fixing the anger issue. It is recognizing there is a problem before the relationship is ruined. Here are the top 6 signs that online anger management courses may be needed.

6. Differing Opinions. The fact that two people in a relationship having different and separate opinions on any given subject is fine. What isn’t fine is if it’s difficult to remain calm while hearing a differing opinion without flying into any angry fit.

5. Interruptions. Interruptions happen to us all everyday. If someone interrupts what you’re saying or doing and it causes resentment and anger, at times instigating an argument.

4. Hair trigger outbursts. Life’s struggles can take its toll on us all. If you find yourself exploding in anger over simple mistakes or accidents then perhaps you should look into the idea of online anger management courses. Getting mad, getting frustrated and even yelling at times is perfectly normal, but if you find it happening several times a day, then perhaps anger management is just the thing that could make a mark-able difference in the quality of your life as well as your loved ones.

3. Throwing. Perhaps this is a left over, a remnant of our early childhood. Throwing is one of the first things we do as a child when we can’t get our way. Be it a toy, a cup, a plate, or even tossing furniture! The excuse for most throwers is, 'It’s my stuff, and I can throw it if I want.' While that is completely true, it is private property, but the law that is so eagerly used as defense stops at throwing it at another. Adults who throw things are often taking aim at the person or object offending them at the moment. If you often throw things when upset then online anger management courses may do you a world of good.

2. Being extremely rude. Being rude, making fun of people, constant sarcasm these are all signs that anger is a driving force in life. Anger shouldn’t be used on others just to feel better. Most that do this are hiding the true source of their anger, which may be quite painful. Online anger management course can help work out those problems in a setting that is comfortable, your own home.

1.       Physical abuse. The number one sign that online anger management courses are needed is physical abuse. If you find yourself easily getting angry to the point of striking out, then perhaps the best path is to get involved in 16 hour online anger courses today. Waiting until tomorrow may be too late to save your relationship. No one should have to suffer through a physically abusive relationship, and no one should think that his or her significant other 'deserves' to be struck.

If you exhibit all these signs, or just one for that matter, it would be a good idea to make yourself a better person and/or a better spouse by learning to control anger by accepting it and registering for online angermanagement classes before it ruins your relationship.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Locate a Court Accepted Anger Management Class Near You.

Locate a Court Accepted Anger Management Class Near You.

Locating a court accepted anger management can often be difficult. Classes are not always offered at convenient times and are often located far away, making it difficult to attend. Taking a trusted and certified anger management class online may be a wise choice when needing to fulfill a requirement. Online classes offered by legitimate providers will include the same content from their live in person classes but in an online format.

Classes Cost Less than traditional Programs.

Anger management classes online are also less expensive then traditional classes. Sometimes up to 1/2 the price. This makes completing a court ordered requirement that much easier. Participants can expect instant access to the classes, as well as receive a certificate of completion when the program is completed.

Start Your Anger Management Class in Privacy.

You can take the online Anger Management Classes from the privacy of your home or office 24 hours a day. Get started today!

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

5 Evidence-Based Strategies for Anger Management

Is anger management just a bunch of hot air?  It's often hard to tell what is really effective these days and what is just a bunch of "advice" that is simply based on opinion.  Anger management class techniques can vary from program to program, so it's important to determine what is really going to be helpful before you spend the time and money trying to learn something new to better manage and control your anger.  Here is a quick list of some of the most trusted and proven interventions for better managing anger:

Anger Control Tip #1: Becoming more emotionally intelligent has its advantages.  Emotional intelligence is often associated with skills in empathy.  Those that have the ability to show more empathy towards others tend to feel better, get their needs met more of the time, and how more quality interactions with others.  More on this topic can be found my researching Daniel Goldman.

Anger Control Tip #2:
Get your Stress Under Control.  Anger and stress tend to go hand in hand.  The higher ones stress the easier it is to get upset.  Learning effective techniques in stress management will not only reduce your anger response, but it will also help create a healthier and more well balanced life.  Check out the research on stress management documented by the Occupational Safety and Health organization.

Anger Control Tip #3: Changing internal dialog and self-talk.  Anger management courses that teach this skill will almost always base the intervention on work done by Albert Ellis, R.C. Taft and others.  Their pioneering research has led to some amazing discoveries about how our thoughts effect our behavior and feelings.  Taking personal responsibility for our internal dialog and beliefs leads us to change our current and future behaviors towards ourselves and others.

Anger Control Tip #4:
Better manage our Expectations.  Expectation management is often one very difficult concept to understand.  Through the work of John Gottman, Elizabeth Loftun and William Calvin, we have recently discovered that both our memories and expectations are greatly impacted by our belief systems.  Anger management training should focus on this important concept.
Anger Control Tip #5: Becoming a more Assertive communicator.  As the saying goes, “Communication is king".  Anger management classes aimed at teaching these skills will help participants better express their feelings and needs more effectively.  Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.  Much research on this topic has been done by the University of Wisconsin’s counseling center (among many others).

Getting help in mastering these skills can be done in a variety of ways including taking anger management classes online, or simply finding  local anger management classes near you.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Your Kids Depend on Your Parenting for Better Anger Control

Parenting Style and Anger Management

Much research suggests that parenting style can actually effect the behavior of teenagers.  Parents need to better understand the impact they have on their children and recognize their parenting style makes a difference in how their children are going in interact with other people as the grow up.

1. Authoritarians are like bossy people, they bark out orders without thinking about feelings.  They are the ones bossing their kids around and barking out rules.  They will punish their kids but put little effort into rewards or show a lot of warmth.

2. Permissive parents often are the ones that simply don't pay close attention to the kids.  The set very poor boundaries and let their kids run free to do as they wish without much thought or concern.  They might think they are doing their teens a favor by being their friends, but in reality they are setting them up to fail by not showing them they care what they do.

3. Authoritative parents set appropriate boundaries, use warmth and love, and have appropriate discipline.  They help guide their children in making good decisions and foster an open and clear line of communication to talk. 

Parents can learn skills to help improve how their children behave by taking an anger management class.  Contrary to popular belief, anger management classes are not just about being angry!  They teach skills to help improve interpersonal relationships. 

Regardless of where you live, you can take an online anger management class or have access to specific classes just for anger management and parenting.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Evidence Based Anger Management: Does it Exist?

How do you know if you have an anger management condition?  It's often hard to tell what exactly is a "problem" which out having a DSM that has been established.  In psychology, all nervous and mental disorders are listed in the DSM-IV-TR which is put out by the American Psychological Association.  Unfortunately, anger is not listed as a disorder; however, it is a symptom of many other disorders.  The good news is, problem anger can be helped regardless of whether or not there is a diagnosis for it.

One way to explore if you have an anger issue to to simply take an anger management assessment.  There are numerous assessments in anger management that can be provided by either a licensed mental health professional and/or a certified anger management professional.  The outcome of the assessment will then show either skill deficiencies or state trait anger outcome depending on the type of assessment used.

Now your on your way to finding an anger management course that is the best fit.  Here is the real issue.  While most quality anger management programs use empirically validated interventions, most do not have scientific evidence to support their usefulness.  This is mostly due to the fact that developing studies that can be peer-reviewed and scientifically proven take a lot of time, and money, which most private for profit organizations do not have.  Recently the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare listed the Century Anger Management model of intervention to it's list of programs.  It is this authors view that programs which utilize the Century Anger Management model of intervention would be a well thought out choice for those seeking to improve in skills related to anger and stress management.  This model uses two primary evidence based theories in all of its interventions.  The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavior Therapy (BT).  There are so many studies available on these two approaches, it would be laborious to try and list them in this entry.

With a solid model of intervention in mind, the next step is to find a provider who can offer these programs.  Anger management is not hard to find.  A simple Yahoo! search of the word "anger management" will yield a staggering 18,700,000 results!  It is best to refine your search to terms like "anger management classes in (your city)".  You will then likely find some local resources that might be a nice fit for what you are looking for.  Another resource would be to take the anger management class online from a reputable and trusted provider.  Again, look for a online class that has a proven track record and model of intervention that is well established and recognized.  The advantage to an online course is that you don't have to miss time away from other life obligations and the course can be completed when it is best for you. 

There is simply no reason not to start anger management classes if you feel you need them.  Remember, anger ruins the relationships we love the most.  Don't let it happen to you!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Anger Management Classes Can Be Learned Online

Ah, the debate continues, can anger management classes be learned online or can it only be learned in a classroom setting?  The U.S. Department of Education recently conducted a study comparing traditional learning with what is now called "E-Learning".  Online or distance learning education is one of the fastest growing trends in the globe.   What many used to believe was "distance learning", was video conferencing, educational television, or correspondence courses.

The E-Learning of today is so sophisticated, it's no surprise that research studies are showing that is is simply becoming more effective for learning.  Distance education uses a wide range of technologies that were previously unavailable with older generations of distance learning.  This includes multi-media, personalized learned response techniques, and easier ability to present information.

As an instructor of anger management classes for many years both live and online, I have witnessed first hand how skills in this area are acquired.  There is no question in my mind that anger management can be acquired both in a live or online setting.  The real issue is who is teaching the class, what is the program used and how is the course being delivered?  Just as all live programs are not the same, neither are the E-learning programs that are available to the public. 

The internet is flooded with new programs all the time, so it is best for the consumer to choose a program from a reputable, well know and respected online educator with a proven track record.  The same advice could also be said for those seeking a live program.  Look to take classes from a provider who is licensed or certified to teach anger management.  Find out what curriculum they are using, such as the Century Anger Management program and learn how long they have been offering these classes.

Whether you need to take a an anger control class for a legal anger management requirement or simply for personal growth, be open minded to the type of educational instruction you receive.  Both formats have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it is really a matter of personal desire.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Is Your Relationship in Need of an Anger Management Makeover?

Do Relationships Need Anger Management?
As I licensed psychotherapist, I have seen hundreds of couples in my clinical practice. As an anger management expert, I have seen equally the same number of couples come in for anger management couples coaching". While doing therapy with couples does not always uncover issues related to anger, I can say with almost 100% certainty that anger management counseling always covers issues relevant to good communication, listening, empathy, and expectation management.

Why Do Couples Seek Anger Counseling?
Couples frequently come in wanting to undercover the deeper issues that haunt regarding their anger, however, I tend to see faster results by simply teaching couples effective techniques for improving the quality of their interactions. Most partners get into fights because they are experiencing needs that the other partner isn't fulfilling. It could be needs for affection, security, love, respect, appreciation, or something else. Anger management counseling covers so many skills that it would be shocking if one didn't benefit from it in some way. It could be as simple as changing the tone in one's voice, or expressing feelings more clearly. Sometimes even slight modifications in behavior can have dramatic results.

How Can Couples Best Learn These Anger Management Skills?
Anger techniques can be learned a variety of ways. While I have always encouraged couples to make the time to come together, it is also possible to gain these same skills individually or through an online program offered by a licensed professional. Quality online anger management classes are an excellent way to learn effective strategies without having to spend time away from other commitments. Online anger classes can be taken from anywhere where one has access to a computer. Even a smart phone will work!. Live anger management classes are also an option if coming in together isn't possible. Isn't your relationship worth getting help for? Don't wait until it's too late

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Will Anger Management Classes Really Work?

Taking an anger management class isn't right for everyone
There, I said it. Not everyone is a candidate for anger management. Yes, the skills taught in these courses would likely help anyone. Most would agree that learning how to be a better communicator or how to improve skills in expectation management would be beneficial. And yes, most good anger management classes will teach skills in empathy and improving judgment and impulse control. Still, some might not be a match for such classes. You might be thinking, who couldn't benefit from learning how to do all these things more appropriately?

Motivation is the Key to Change
Quite frankly, if one isn't motivated to change, it really doesn't matter how great the class is or what is taught in the program. On a recent phone call, I was asked by a man how quickly he could finish his class so he could "get on with his life" and not have to worry about this "crap". He went on to say "I don't really want to learn anything because I'm not an angry person". My response was, "anger management isn't "crap" and speediness isn't the cure". Anger management is set of skills, actually a series of skills that must first be understood, then practiced. Since motivation is such a critical factor, the speed which someone takes a class is much less important. The participant still wont change. The motivation to succeed at anything is usually the first predictor of potential success. So before you sign up, ask yourself, "Am I really motivated to change".

Anger Management Classes Come in all Shapes and Sizes
These days, anger management can be learned many different ways. For some, taking group anger management classes is most helpful while for others being seen one on one seems to have the most benefit. Anger Management Classes online is another great option. These programs do not require the need to drive, and are incredibly convenient and and are very cost effective. Regardless of the format, anger classes can be a great match for those that really want to make serious changes to how they interact towards when they do get upset. Perhaps give it a try and see how you do. You might be surprised.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Get Out of your Poor Anger Management Routine

We all come to make decisions in different ways. There are those that are quick to make judgments. There are others who are black/white thinkers and see things as two distinct and polar extremes. Then there are perfectionists, who mourn the loss of anything that happens in their world that doesn't align with their idea of perfectionism. Of course, we can't forget those individuals who "should" all over people, as in "you should do this, you shouldn't do that".

Some of the biggest mistakes in communication are made by simply using absolutist vocabulary such as words like: most, least or just; all, every or none; best, worst; always, forever, never.

Rather than using words that create defensiveness in another because they create the absolute situation. Better word choices might include: some, may, might, seems, can, could, probably, almost.

Communication is probably one of the most difficult challenges in the human existence. It is one of the few things in life that is totally necessary in order to develop, sustain and maintain a relationship.

Individuals who are challenged to manage their anger often describe their communication as problematic and if they don't, it is easily identified as such by a qualified professional. It is nearly impossible to unlearn a problematic communication style; however, they can certainly learn a new approach to supersede an existing way that caused problems.

Where does one learn better communication? Contrary to popular belief, anger management can be learned by taking an anger management class. These classes can be taken online or in person, depending on what your preference may be. Get out of the nightmare of being an absolutist! Get help for anger management and see what it's like to live a life where communication comes so much easier.

Monday, March 28, 2011

4 Critical Reasons to Get your Anger Under Control

Anger is a powerful emotion. It is one emotion that all human beings experience. It can often have lasting and damaging effects on others if we do not learn how to control ourselves and our impulses. After seeing hundreds of new clients each year over the last 8 years, I have come to see some common similarities of how anger can cause serious problems in relationships. I have also seen first hand how anger management classes can help.

Here is a short list of some of the main ways anger is problematic:

1. Angry episodes can be the most devastating to a relationship. Eventually the person(s) who have been inflicted will leave you. As the old saying goes, "you can't un-ring a bell". With anger, it's the same way. You can't take back the devastating effects of a raging episode of anger. Keep in mind, behavior is choice. One can choose to behave good or poorly. Anger can destroy a relationship that may have meant everything to you.

2. Anger can be like a drug, don't make decisions when your upset. Most people feel like problems must get resolved in the moment they happen and end up having their anger guide them in a direction that their normal thinking would not have taken them. Most problems do not have to be solved in the moment. In fact, other than a life or death situation, most problems can wait a few hours or even days.

3. Anger steals our perspective. When we get angry, we end up only seeing the side of the argument that makes sense to us. When we are angry, our ability to see multiple perspectives gets out of wack and we end up passing judgment too quickly. Don't let your anger take away your perspective.

4. Getting our expectations in control helps. Often our anger is the result of being let down or having an expectation that hasn't been met. Learning how to manage expectations can help in staying calm and not feeling dissapointed with ourselves or others.

One great way to learn how to better manage anger is through an anger management class or individual coaching for anger management is at your finger tips. Seek the help you need before you end up ruining a relationship that is important to you.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Get The Best Anger Management Class You Can

What makes a great anger management class? Anger management classes can vary greatly, both in terms of content, but also in delivery. Both of these elements need to be considered when choosing an anger management course. You can have great content, but if the delivery method is terrible, it will make it difficult to learn.

Have you ever attended a program where the instruction was so painfully boring that you wanted to pull your hair out? It wouldn't matter how wonderful the material was, if you can't connect with how the materials are being presented, boredom sets in fast. Instruction in anger management is very similar. If one can't make a good connection with the presentation, then learning is going to be impaired.

Anger management classes are typically taught one of 3 ways.

1. Offered in a group environment
2. In a one/one or coaching capacity
3. Taught in an online class

If the anger management class is taken in a group setting the teacher should have appropriate credentials to teach the class. This would mean they are either certified in anger management or are licensed as a psychotherapist and also have specialized training in anger management. If the group is homogeneous, such as a group of corporate executives, then the language and examples can be more complex and intellectual. If the group is comprised of high school age teens, then the tone and content would need to be adjusted to fit this audience. An anger management class should be fun, uplifting, interesting and engaging. The content needs to be from a reliable program, such as the Century Anger Management curriculum.

One on one coaching should be an engaging and didactic experience where the student and instructor are working close together on very specific skills. Most one on one sessions will start with an assessment to determine areas that the client needs to focus on. Then the instructor can then focus on those specific skills to help the client improve. This might be in areas such as communication, stress management, empathy, or expectation management.

Finally, anger management classes can also be taken in an online format. These programs should be carefully reviewed. Take a program from a reputable provider with listed credentials. Advantages include 24 hour access to the class, a self-paced environment, and the ability to plan course time around ones schedule. Quality online courses will teach the same concepts from a live class, but are delivered in a format that is user friendly and easy to understand.

Regardless of the format, finding the right anger management course can be challenging. Just create a checklist of the things that are important to you, then seek out a program that matches those objectives.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Become an Anger Class Online Affiliate Today!

Anger Class Online has been one of the most trusted and reliable online anger management class providers since 2006. Unlike most online programs, we stand behind a product and program that has integrity and is extremely high quality.

Join Anger Class Online as an affiliate. As an affiliate provider, you can offer our online anger management classes
through your website and receive $95.00 on each class sale. Once you apply as a member we will review your website. If we believe your website is an appropriate fit for our demographic, we will approve your site. Then you will have access to our banners and graphics as well as your own affiliate code to track your sales.

Click here for information on our Anger Class Online Affiliate Program.

Ari Novick, Ph.D.
AJ Novick Group, Inc. Anger Management Classes

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Stop Stressing! Learn Skills in Anger Management Classes

Do you ever wonder what stress does to the body? How about it's effects on us psychologically? Stress is what many physicians call the silent killer. We can not always see stress the same way we see other illnesses, but the signs and symptoms are present just the same.

High levels of stress can cause all types of physical problems, most notably a compromised immune system, chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers, heart disease, even diabetes. On a psychological level, stress tends to create two major problems mentally, notably, depression and forms of anxiety.

How does one determine if there is too much stress in our life? Most physicians will view a client with stress management problems if their stress has a high intensity, is felt frequently and last too long and is present more days than not. Sound familiar?

What exactly is stress? Stress is the bodily response to demands in our life called "stressors". A stressor is a demand placed on the body when a requirement is made of you and you then react to it. Some people respond in a healthy way to stressors, while others respond in a unhealthy way. The greater your resources for dealing with stress the greatly your ability to handle these life stressors.

While stress isn't always a negative (it can sometimes be a motivator), un-restrained stress can erode our life by hurting us both emotionally and physically.

One of the most effective ways to learn how to deal with stress is by taking a quality anger management class or even an effective online anger management class. These classes teach skills in stress management and educate the customer on more healthy ways of dealing with stress.

Don't let your stress get out of control. Get the help you need today.