ANGER MANAGEMENT GROUPS FOR TEENS

Basic Facts: The Anger Management Group for teens is a four week group which meets one hour per week (see "group schedules" for dates and times). The group is designed to help individuals find positive, appropriate, and productive ways to express their anger. The group combines educational and experiential approaches designed to empower and enhance emotional awareness and self control.

Appropriate Referrals: This group is appropriate for individuals who are currently expressing their anger in ways which are causing themselves and/or others problems. Some examples of possible problems are; oppositional behavior with parents, teachers, and other authority figures, conflicts with peers (i.e. fighting), manipulating and lying, and difficulty concentrating and following through on responsibilities. This group is also appropriate for individuals who are not currently having major problems and who are interested in learning preventive techniques.

Group Rationale: Group therapy for teens is an excellent adjunct to individual and/or family therapy. Often individuals are more open to feedback from peers than they are to feedback from authority figures (i.e. counselors, parents and teachers). This is particularly true with adolescents, who may have a rebellious attitude towards authority. Group therapy offers a safe environment for teens to explore their thoughts and feelings, while at the same time empowering them to use their own personal strengths to help each other.