Managing anger comes with unique challenges. Sometimes anger sneaks up so silently that it goes unnoticed until it explodes. Other times, even when you see your anger building, it might feel too difficult to stop.
There are many skills and techniques that can help your clients tame their anger or avoid its worst consequences. But most of these skills need to be used at the right time in the anger cycle.
Our Cycle of Anger worksheet is a simple way to visualize how anger is triggered, grows, and erupts. Each stage includes a technique for breaking the cycle. The stages include:
- triggering event
- negative thoughts
- body’s automatic response
- behavioral response
Use this worksheet to help your clients take a step back and look at the larger pattern of their anger. Then, explore each of the four stages in depth, learning both how to identify the stage and how to intervene.
