It is not uncommon for perpetrators of Domestic Violence in Tacoma WA to be ordered by the courts to attend anger management classes. These classes are designed to teach perpetrators of domestic violence how to recognize the signs that they are getting angry and take action to calm themselves down before it becomes a problem. Although anger is a normal emotion, expressing it through intimate partner violence is never acceptable and classes designed for domestic violence offenders are intended to help these offenders learn the skills they need to put a stop to their violent behaviors.
Identifying Triggers
Many anger management and domestic violence classes start by teaching their participants how to recognize their personal triggers. These are physical and emotional early-warning signs that they’re beginning to become angry. The ability to recognize these signs is important as it can help participants realize that they have to take steps to calm themselves down before their anger boils over to the point where it is expressed through violence.
Learning Relaxation Skills
Once participants have identified what situations are most likely to set them off they can begin to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with them. Unfortunately, not all stressors can be avoided completely, but many can be dealt with in healthier ways. Counselors often teach participants relaxation techniques or ways to express themselves non-aggressively when they begin to experience anger.
Redirecting Energy
It’s not uncommon for Domestic Violence in Tacoma WA to occur during or after serious arguments. All of the anger that perpetrators experience due to their frustrations gets translated into violence but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, they can learn how to redirect that energy to use it to actually resolve situations instead of allowing them to escalate.
Learning Communication
Ineffective communication can lead people with anger management problems to feel helpless and frustrated. It can also contribute to emotional abuse in the form of impulsive or hurtful words and actions. Learning how to discuss frustrating emotions in healthy, productive ways can help participants avoid future angry outbursts and improve their abilities to maintain healthy relationships with others.
Identifying Related Problems
Anger management problems often go hand-in-hand with addiction, depression, and other mental health problems. A domestic violence counselor can help his or her clients identify potential secondary issues that have contributed to or stemmed from anger problems.
