This twelve-session psycho-educational domestic violence and anger management dispute resolution program is intended to teach clients about anger and solving relationship problems in a healthy, effective, non-violent way. The program will focus on teaching the causes and consequences of anger, and coping methods. It will also focus on teaching effective dispute resolution in both intimate and non-intimate relationships. The client will begin to develop and practice skills in coping with anger such as cognitive methods, relaxation techniques, and planned responses through group participation and homework. Each session module will provide key concepts, discussion and exercises so the client receives needed information to develop anger management skills.

Participants will be required to attend all twelve sessions and complete each treatment module within a fifteen-week period following intake. Group capacity will be limited to fifteen participants, with open enrollment. Each session will be ninety minutes.

The program is available to individuals who have been assessed by a mental health professional who has met the standards of this Administrative Order. The referring person will receive progress and participation reports following intake, upon known incidence of non-compliance, and following successful completion.

Session one: Intake/orientation

This initial session will be conducted either individually or in a group format. The focus of this session will be to collect intake data and discuss with the client: program content, mutual expectations, and program policies.

Session Two: Coping skills development

This session explores the key concepts of anger management and helps the client identify the difference between anger as a normal emotion and aggressive behavior, and begin to use cognitive skills to reduce anger.

Session Three: Basic Communication Skills I

This session introduces clients to basic communication skills, and demonstrates how ineffective communication can lead to aggressive behavior.

Session Four: Using Aggressive Behavior to Intimidate

This session introduces how intimidation can become a component of abuse and a method of control.

Session Five: Repressed Anger

This session examines the cycle of abuse perpetuated by repressed anger. This session explores how and why significant painful feelings are repressed. The client is also introduced to the effects that early learning has on how anger and rage may be interpreted and expressed.

Session Six: Aggressive Behavior

This session examines some of the primary aggressive behaviors and their negative consequences. Emphasis will be placed on the client=s understanding of abusive behaviors such as blaming, control, and coercion. Clients will also be introduced to alternative, functional, non-abusive behavior styles.

Session Seven: Improving Relationships

This session focuses on helping the client to improve relationships with others and not engage in self-defeating behavior. Relationship skill development will include: learning to trust, rules for a fair argument, forgiveness, accepting personal responsibility, and emotional growth.

Session Eight: Life Skills

This session will introduce the client to basic stress management techniques. The cause and effect of stress will be discussed, including the relationship between stress, frustration and anger.

Session Nine: Ineffective Coping Skills

This session will examine ineffective coping mechanisms including alcohol and substance use and compulsive behaviors.

Session Ten: Emotions Associated with Anger

This session focuses on feelings and emotions commonly associated with anger, including resentments, jealousy, irritability, fear, and lack of control. Clients will be introduced to new ways in which they can appropriately identify feelings before they result in aggressive behavior.

Session Eleven: Problem Solving

The client is introduced to basic problem solving skills which can act to reduce stress and frustration. Clients will also be introduced to goal setting.

Session Twelve: Transitional Meeting

This final session may be conducted either individually or in a group format. The client will complete a questionnaire assessing their level of knowledge of the material presented and the degree of behavioral change and integration they derived from the program. The client will also be asked to complete a program evaluation survey. Individual progress will be discussed. Continued treatment, referrals, or aftercare will be finalized if applicable. Each client will receive a certification of completion.