Anger Management Curriculum (8–12 Weeks)

Target Audience: Adults and adolescents (customizable)
Format: Weekly 60–90-minute sessions (customizable)
Approach: Psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, behavior modification

Cost per session: $50 (if this class is required by the court) (payment below)

Cost per session: $80 (if this class is voluntary) (Payment will be discussed)

Session 1: Introduction & Orientation

• Define anger: What it is and what it isn’t

• Group norms, confidentiality, structure

• Self-assessment of anger triggers and consequences

• Homework: Anger diary

Session 2: Understanding the Anger Cycle

• Physiological, cognitive, and behavioral components of anger

• Fight-flight-freeze response and its purpose

• Identify early warning signs

• Homework: Identify personal escalation cues

Session 3: Triggers & Thought Patterns

• Internal vs. external triggers

• Cognitive distortions (e.g., mind reading, catastrophizing, "should" statements)

• Introduce ABC model (Activating event, Beliefs, Consequences)

• Homework: Log ABC examples of anger

Session 4: Coping & De-escalation Strategies

• Grounding techniques (e.g., 5-4-3-2-1, temperature regulation)

• Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

• “Time-out” strategies

• Homework: Use and track one de-escalation tool

Session 5: Assertive Communication

• Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive styles

• “I” statements and boundary-setting

• Active listening and non-verbal cues

• Homework: Practice assertive response in a real or role-played scenario

Session 6: Problem-Solving Skills

• Structured approach to conflict resolution

• Identify controllable vs. uncontrollable stressors

• Evaluate consequences of behavior patterns

• Homework: Apply steps to a current problem

Session 7: Emotional Regulation & Empathy

• Identify emotions beneath anger (e.g., shame, fear, hurt)

• Connection between trauma and reactive anger

• Building empathy through perspective-taking

• Homework: Reflective journaling on empathy and emotional insight

 Session 8: Accountability & Personal Growth

• Impact of anger on relationships and self-esteem

• Owning one’s behavior without shame

• Rebuilding trust and repairing harm

• Homework: Write a letter (not necessarily sent) taking accountability

Session 9: Relapse Prevention & Maintenance

• Identifying high-risk situations

• Building a personal anger management plan

• Support systems and continued self-monitoring

• Homework: Final reflection (8 – 10 weeks)

Session 10: Review & Graduation

• Review progress and key takeaways

• Group feedback and closure

• Issue certificates (if applicable)

• Optional: Invite participants to write a personal goal for continued growth

Session 11: Relapse Prevention & Maintenance

• Identifying high-risk situations specific to daily life and legal requirements

• Building a personalized anger management plan focused on accountability

• Understanding the importance of support systems and ongoing self-monitoring to prevent setbacks

• Homework: Final reflection on lessons learned and strategies for continued compliance

Session 12: Review & Graduation

• Comprehensive review of progress, key takeaways, and demonstration of anger management skills

• Group feedback with an emphasis on responsibility, respectful communication, and closure

• Issue certificates of completion for those meeting program requirements

• Optional: Encourage participants to set a personal goal for sustained growth and for meeting continuing legal or probationary expectations