We’ve all got problems with anger from time to time. Your kids spilled a gallon of juice on the carpet. Your spouse returned home from work two hours late and forgot to pick up dinner, which led to a fight. Anger is a normal, healthy part of human relationships – but what happens when you get angry too often at small things? Anger can spiral out of control, and using anger to deal with a situation only makes it easier to explode the next time something bugs you a little bit. If you’ve been asked (or court-ordered) to complete an anger management course, you might be feeling wary of spending time in such a place. However, the skills you learn can greatly benefit your life. Read on to discover what to expect in this type of course:

You’ll Learn New Skills

Depending on your offense, you might be sentenced to anger management in a group context or within individual therapy sessions. Your therapy might also be combined with other programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or a john school diversion program. Working with the right therapist in a personalized program can help get your life back on track.

You’re Not Alone

You might be feeling overwhelming emotions – not just anger – as you begin your group therapy or treatment program. Know that you are not by yourself in this: many people seek therapy for stress, anger, and depression that can lead to intense outbursts. There is even a diagnosis called IED (intermittent explosive disorder) for those with severe but treatable anger issues. 

Take heart in the fact that when you emerge from this program, you will have gained skills, confidence, and the training to keep your cool in a heated moment. As long as you practice your newfound skills, you’re well on your way to making better choices on a daily basis.