Anger Is OK!

There’s still time to register for the 8-week Anger Management Class at Collin County College. This virtual course examines the impact of anger on individuals, marriages, families, and communities. Empirically supported techniques that informs how to mitigate a provocation, relaxation and calming skills, and the application of practical anger management skills are discussed.  anger management skills.

The class meets Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 8:15 pm (CST). Class starts August 25, 2022. Upon successful completion of the 8-week course students qualify to register for the Anger Management Specialist Certification Training webinar to be held October 27th and 28th, 2022. Seats are limited!

To qualify for the 2-Day Anger Management Certification Training:   

1. Students (participants) must complete the 8-week anger management training course.

  2. Students (participants) with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or have significant community service in mental health, or have completed the 8-week anger management training course, are eligible to register for the 2-day anger management training for the Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-I or CAMS-II) certification. 

Measurable Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the 8-week course, the student will be able to:

1. Create an Anger Log
2. Discuss the physiological and cognitive changes during anger escalation
3. Explain how to manage stress
4. Apply assertiveness and conflict management skills and strategies
5. Discuss the two anger cycles and their triggers
6. Apply calming and relaxation techniques.
7. Explain the importance of forgiveness and the role of emotional intelligence in deescalating anger
8. Identify cognitive distortions
9. Explain how to prevent and interrupt aggressive behavior

For more information on how you can register for the 8-week class contact Dr. Bartley at dr.smb@hotmail.com or call (682) 305-2122.

A recent poll in Texas (and the statistics are probably similar in other states) reported the number of road rage incidents had increased 500% from 2006 to 2016! According to a 2021 Road Rage Statistics website, “A total of 12,610 injuries and 218 murders have been attributed to road rage over a seven-year period in the United States (SafeMotorist).”*

So, what is causing the road rage statistics to climb exponentially? Actually, there are a number of factors contributing to the significant increase in reported incidences. A few of them are:

A. People are in a hurry to get to their destination and are taking risks to get from point ‘A’ to point “B”.

B. A person may be driving under the influence of a substance (both legal or illegal).

C. The driver is distracted by a mobile phone, texting, a gadget in the vehicle, or simply inattentive to other vehicles on the road.

D. A person is experiencing stress and is having a bad day.

These factors (and others not mentioned) are certainly not excuses anyone can claim as a defense for reckless driving.

When we think about road rage, it can be seen as an “invitation” for a person to transition from “defensive driving” to “offensive driving” although defensive driving is always preferred for the safety of yourself and others. In a recent interview with Channel 8 News, I presented 3 things drivers can do to stay safe if they encounter someone driving recklessly. I’ve created an acronym (S.O.S.) so that these three tips can be easily remembered.

The first “S” is “Self-awareness.” Self-awareness = self-control. Monitor your reactions to what the other driver is doing and avoid responding, if possible! The reckless driver may not be aware that your safety was compromised when they cut you off to make a quick exit off the highway.

The “O” stands for “Other-awareness.” Consider that the other driver may be in a hurry, under the influence of a substance, preoccupied, or simply inattentive to those around them.

The second “S” is “Situational-awareness.” Situational awareness addresses how you should respond to the other driver – if at all. Maybe it’s best ‘not’ to honk the horn or you may want to slow down and allow the other driver to go on their way without engaging them. Another words, think your way out of a potential detrimental engagement with the other driver, rather than react with aggression.

I hope you find these tips useful. And, I pray your travels are safe!

Dr. Bartley

1. (https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/road-rage-statistics)

COVID-19 has altered life as we know it in unimaginable ways – actually, too many ways to count. People are stressed about the next variant wave, who is or isn’t vaccinated, wearing masks, obtaining accurate COVID health information, maintaining social distances in societal settings, navigating job security, and awaiting the latest CDC data on COVID trends… and this list barely scratches the surface. Each of these stressors, and others not mentioned, can lead to the build-up of anxiety, which can lead to frustration and anger.

Typically, people become angry when they feel threaten, when something or someone is hindering their achievement of obtaining a goal, or if they perceive there is a loss of control over their lives. These are legitimate reasons to become angry. And COVID-19 has definitely made an impact in each of the aforementioned areas. But is anger the most appropriate response for the upheaval caused by COVID-19 around the world?

Here are five reasons why responding to COVID-19 with anger may not be your best option.

1. Anger clouds the mind and inhibits one’s ability to think logically.

2. A state of anger can distort reality.

3. A state of anger robs you of inner peace and tranquility.

4. Anger can be destructive when its energy is not channeled properly.

5. Acting in anger usually makes a bad situation worst.

So, what can you do instead of responding to COVID-19 in anger?

Stay tune…!

You can become credentialed to offer court and employer approved anger management programs and services at this Anger Management Specialist Training Webinar to be offered March 4-5,2021! 

These training presentations emphasize educational programming, treatment planning and evidence-based approaches for helping your clients and students to better manage anger.

The workshops are approved by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) for the Certified Anger Management Specialist-I or II credential! (NAMA membership fee extra — submitted by attendees to NAMA for certification after completion of workshops).

The $425 cost includes 2 days of webinar-workshop training, Training binder/manual, book, assessments, CEs/CEUs, leader’s guide! Download the  registration flyer here!

Deadline for registration: Feb. 25, 2021. Limited number of participants!

Did you know the way people express their anger can be contagious? Befriending an angry person is like hanging around someone who has a bad cold, the flu, or even COVID-19. It’s just a matter of time before you are sick with what they’ve got. Folks that are habitually angry will model inappropriate behaviors and mannerisms. This is a huge reason why angry people are not the type of friends you want to associate with on a consistent basis. When you hang around angry people, it won’t be long before you learn their demeaning habits and acquire their scolding temperament. Before you realize it, you will say things and begin acting like “_name_”.

Rather than spending time with an angry person, seek out people who will challenge you to be a better person. Find people who model self-control and good judgment, especially when things are stressful or hectic. And if you happen to be a habitually angry person, seek anger management training. Doing so will change your life… and probably the life of someone that would like to have you as a friend.

Dr. Seigel Bartley shares a few tips on Anger Management in an interview with WFAA Channel 8 on Good Morning, Texas.

https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/keep-it-cool-anger-management-tips/287-39c1ce44-b7ce-4142-b7e0-2077b73468f8

Contrary to popular belief, anger is not a bad thing. In fact, anger can be a very good thing. Especially when it motivates you to take action in the face of an injustice. So, if anger is not a bad thing, then why do people do bad things when they get angry? People do bad things when they become angry because they fail to use skills to channel the energy of anger in a productive manner. So the real problem is how you choose to express your anger, rather than the anger itself.

For example, when fire is used in an appropriate way, it can cook a meal, heat a pot of water, or keep a house warm in the winter. But when fire is used inappropriately, it can burn your house down. The same thing is true of anger. Anger can be expressed in a positive, constructive, and meaningful way. It can also be expressed in a negative, destructive, and harmful way. When anger is expressed in a negative, destructive, and harmful manner, we tend to deem anger as a bad thing. But it’s how anger is “expressed” that should be called into question!

An important question we need to ask ourselves is, “When we’re angry, how do we express our anger”? Do you allow your anger to burn out of control (like a raging fire) or do you use your anger as a motivator to accomplish something worthwhile? Just remember, your anger is not the “real” problem. But how you choose to express your anger may very well be!

Dr. B.

Welcome to the Anger Management Tip of the Week!

PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING and THOUGHT DISTANCING

We are in unprecedented times and are consistently reminded to practice social distancing due to COVID-19. But there is another kind of distancing that you should practice when someone or something makes you angry. It’s called “THOUGHT-DISTANCING”! Yes, thought-distancing is important to practice as well. So, what is thought-distancing and how do we apply it when we are angry?

Thought-distancing is choosing to stop ruminating on or thinking about something that has made you angry. Thought-distancing is making a conscious decision to not allow a “thought” to be the center of your focus. For example, instead of focusing on the person that made you angry or what made you angry, focus on ways to fix the problem. Thought-distancing also means you choose to stop blaming others. By practicing thought-distancing you will be able to think creatively to fix the problem and abate your anger!

Thanks for stopping by!  Check back for more anger management tips in the near future!

             Anger Management Institute Trainer – Specialist

       Two-Day Certification Workshop! March 13-14, 2020

Presenters: Seigel Bartley, PhD, LPC-S, CAMS-V and Steve Yeschek, LCSW,   CAMS-IV

This Workshop Provides: 12- NBCC CE hours,  ACEP #6577 12 NASW CEUs, 12- NAADAC CEUs, 13- NAMA CEUs

Location: Truett McConnell University 100 Alumni Dr. Cleveland, GA, 30528

Airports: Atlanta, Hartsfield International Airport or Greenville Spartanburg International Airport

Hotels: Helen, GA— Holiday Inn Express: 706-878-1084                                             Hampton Inn: 706-878-3310 Ask for TMU pricing

Questions? Call JoAnn Darling @ 765.404.5232 to register!

Registration Fee through Feb. 15, 2020, 6p_______ $400

Truett Univ. *Student Rate: $200.00 ____

Registration Fee after Feb. 15, 2020, 6p ________ $440

Truett Univ. *Student Rate: $250.00____ *Note: All students must email registration and student ID to joanndarling4@gmail.com

Register Online at http://www.whatsgoodaboutanger.com

Deadline for all registrations: March 1, 2020

Hello,

Thanks for clicking on the link below and viewing the Words of the Week video!  https://wp.me/p4dfpF-3K

Remember, Anger IS OK! when it is expressed in a positive and constructive manner!

I look forward to sharing more Words with you next week!

Dr. B.