1. Managing Anger One Step at a Time

2. What makes you angry?  Think of a specific time you were angry.  Write it on the lines on the right.  Tell what you did to try to control that anger.  Did you try to control the anger?  Did the strategy work?  Why or why not?

3. Appropriate Behavior  Today, we are going to look at the steps you can take to try to control an angry outburst.  This is important because you will be a much calmer person if you can control your anger.

4. Step 1  Identify the situation, person, or circumstance that is making you angry  Who or what makes you angry?

5. Step 2  Monitor your physiological responses (heart rate, breathing, etc.) and give yourself the instructions to relax-What instructions would you give yourself?

6. Step 3  Engage in self-talk or focus on what the other person is saying (this depends on what the other person is saying-do not engage at this point!) What would you tell yourself to calm down?

7. Step 4  Take several slow and easy breaths

8. Step 5  Take a few minutes to cool off

9. Step 6  Continue to use other anger control strategies (count to ten, relaxing your muscles, unclenching your fists…) What other strategies do you know?

10. Step 7  Select and use a problem-solving activity if necessary (POP or SODAS-We will discuss those tomorrow!) In the meantime, create a 4-step plan to manage your anger.