12 Steps of Anger Management
1) We are powerless (feelings just happen) over our initial reaction to our anger and it has caused difficultly in our lives.
2) A decision is made to make the changes necessary to change our life style.
3) Made an inventory on what triggers us to get angry
4) Come to a full understanding of the exact nature of what we are afraid of and what leads us to feel harmed and powerless
5) We recognize that compassion for others and not blaming them entirely allows us to be less angry
6) We are entirely ready to identify that our thoughts that trigger anger are based on cognitive distortions. We recognize that these distortions are not based on evidence.
7) We are ready to challenge and replace our cognitive distortions to more positive realistic thinking.
8) Assert ourselves and
admit the part that we are wrong and take responsibility for our
actions. (Including problem solving, learn to deal with the reality of
the event.)
9) We recognize that our resentments cause us to replay the same anger triggers over again (ask for forgiveness)
10) We believe that the
power of positive thinking (law of attraction) and power of being in
the "Now" can help us maintain a more serene lifestyle (mediation,
religion or GOD) (obsessive thoughts attract more negative thoughts)
11) Continually take inventory of your anger triggers and resentments
12) Practice these principals and acknowledge the change
Copyright 2008 Matthew Manela, LICSW, LADC, SAP
