Anger management classes are designed to teach you some basic anger management techniques. They are not designed for deep therapy of for other issues you may be facing. They usually run for 8-12 weeks and each session lasts 90 - 120 minutes. Small groups usually have 6-10 members and have more individual participation. Sometimes large groups are run in a lecture format.

At the first session you will be given an outline of what the course will cover and what you are expected to do as a member of the group. You may be given a workbook and handouts that covers course materials. In a small group setting it is usual to ask each member of the group to share a little about themselves and what they hope to achieve by attending.

If the anger manangement class is delivered to a large group in a lecture format then individual sharing is limited. There may be times for the audience to ask questions about the talk and the written material. Most classes use audio, text and visual methods to teach anger management techniques.

You can expect to be asked to complete homework during the course. Usually some simple writing exercises designed to get you to identify what thoughts, feelings and behaviours are associated with outbursts. In anger management class you can expect to:

• Focus on yourself, not other people
• Learn about the bodies physical and chemical changes that occur with anger
• Pay attention to the changes in your body when angry
• Pay attention to the thoughts you have
• Learn to challenge your thoughts
• Take responsibility for the effect of your anger on others
• Learn assertiveness skills
• Identify feelings that occur as well as anger (anxiety, sadness, guilt)
• Learn breathing and relaxation skills
• Learn how to listen to other people
• Learn how drugs and alcohol affect the control
• Learn and practice the control techniques

Anger management classes are helpful for learning skills to reduce and control anger. You will learn about yourself and how to manage your thoughts, behaviours and feelings. To get the most benefit keep practicing after the classes end. If you still have problems consider individual counseling. Professional online anger management classes and counseling are now available as well as many excellent self help resources.