anger management consulting program

Crisis Intervention and Domestic Violence

Posted on by Mark Moran

Crisis workers, specialists and counselors who help those in crisis and trauma come across many cases of abuse or domestic violence.  Whether lower tier, on site, or dealing with long term trauma, domestic violence is a large problem within the world, especially against women.  This is not to say it does not also occur against men, but the higher percentage of abuse and domestic violence is against women and children.  Women especially suffer the brunt of domestic violence cases and suffer as victims sometimes unable to act.  This blog will review what domestic violence is, factors surrounding the victim and perpetrator, as well as intervention strategies to help victims, usually women, to be able to heal and move forward.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Program and see if these programs meet your needs.  Professionals in the Human Service Field who help battered women and other victims can utilize these certifications to broaden their knowledge and understanding of domestic violence.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is any physical or verbal harm to another in a household. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention and Anger Management Certifications

Domestic violence goes well beyond merely anger and loss of control but has many elements that go deeply into the psychology of the abuser and the willingness for the victim to sometimes endure for years.  Domestic Violence also known as Intimate Partner Violence encompasses all types of couples including not only married, but those living together, same sex couples, and abuse of children or elderly (James, 2017, p. 286).  Within Domestic Violence are key terms that designate the crime.  Battering refers to any type of physical assault, while abuse is a more general term that not only encompasses physical violence but also emotional, verbal abuse as well as threatening (James, 2017, p. 287).

There are many theories that surround the relationship that ties abuser and victim together.  Attachment/Traumatic Bonding Theory speculates that abusers abuse because of fear of losing the significant other due to childhood trauma of losing loved ones and lack of stability.  Another theory is Exchange Theory which postulates that the abuser will continue to be violent as long as the reward outweighs the cost of utilizing violence to control.  Intraindividual Theory investigates various psychological and neurophysiological disorders that play a part in why batterers abuse.  From the victim perspective, many women suffer from learned helplessness and battered woman syndrome in which the woman accepts the abuse and the results as a learned behavior.  In reverse, the abuser, usually a man, falls into the learned behavior of achieving results through inherent abuse.  Feminist theory attributes abuse by men to be tied to sexist and patriarchal views within society that glorify the dominance of the man over the woman.  Cultural reinforcement and glorification of aggression for success can also play a role in advancing aggression as a positive attribute.  Finally, psychological entrapment proposes that women have to much to lose financially if they report or leave the abuser.  In addition, the secret fills the victim with shame and ties the abused to the abuser and looks for the abused to justify and find ways to stay (James, 2017, p. 290-293).

There are also numerous secondary stressors and issues  that can add or complicate to the abuse case.  Issues surrounding geographic location can affect the duration of abuse if the abused is isolated.  Economic and financial stressors can play a role in a woman staying with an abuser, as well as religious beliefs and stigma.  Many women may feel disenfranchised or rejected if abuse was made public.  Other stressors and factors include the age of the couple, with younger couples experiencing abuse at a higher level, as well as the role of drugs and alcohol (James, 2017, p. 294).

In addition, there are many myths about domestic violence that can sometimes look to dismiss it as not as serious.  One such myth is that battered women overstate their case, display too much sensitivity, or hate men or are looking for revenge.  The reality is most women who report are not reporting the first incident but are reporting after multiple cases.   Other myths involve justifying the abuse as if the woman or victim provoked the beating, or that if it was truly so bad, she would leave the relationship.  These false myths need dismissed in order to give domestic violence the spotlight it deserves and the importance for society to make it not a family personal issue but a community one (James, 2017. p. 294).

Profile of the Batterer and Abuser

Batterer suffer from a variety of emotional impulse controls but also are possibly suffer from past abuse, as well as addiction issues. Many find wish to exert dominance over others

Batterers usually can have any of the following issues.  They were battered themselves, faced poor family conditions as children, have anger and impulse control issues, deal with addictions, or suffer from a variety of emotional and cognitive disorders. Characteristics of individuals, in particular men, who abuse suffer from a variety of issues.  Many demonstrate excessive dependency and possessiveness toward a women.  Others have poor communication skills and can only filter anger to express.  Others may have unreal expectations of their spouses or partners.  Others may see themselves as dominant and set up rigid family control patterns for the spouse and children that cannot be infringed upon.  Many men who abuse also are characterized as jealous, impulsive, denying, depressive, demanding, aggressive and violent.  In addition, many suffer from low self esteem and form addictive habits (James, 2019, p. 293). Many abusers usually look to minimize abuse.   They may deny battering, minimize the battery, or project the battery onto the victim (James, 2017, .p. 321).

Some batterers are a family only batterers.  These types act out but are quick to seek forgiveness.  Others with low level anti-social tendencies, or violent anti-social tendencies are far more dangerous and terroristic.  This does not mean family only batterers do not have serious issues or can lead to fatal outcomes.  It just means, there violence is more confined to the home and nowhere else and it may not be due to deeper psychological disorders (James, 2017., p. 296).  However, it is important to note, any physical violence, even a push or shove, or threat is too much.  There needs to be zero tolerance for any type of behavior.

Profile of the Abused

Abused women on the other hand suffer various characteristics that fall into compliance with abuse and perpetrate its continuance.  These characteristics are sometimes sought out by abusers since it enables control.  Many abused women lack self esteem due to the continuous verbal insults.  They lack self confidence in abilities to make the situation better. Many women who are abused come from past history of being abused, much as the abuser.  They may regularize the abuse as something familiar and normal.  Many women who are subject to abuse are very dependent upon the spouse and are unable to escape the situation, or fear leaving due to stigma.  Many women cannot differentiate between love and sex and also feel it is their duty to fix the abuser by staying (James, 2017, p. 294).

Many women simply live and relive the vicious cycle of abuse.  They accept the the tranquil periods or first phase of tranquility of no violence but soon enough, the second phase of tension starts to build and the third phase of a violent outburst occurs.  Upon this, the relationship enters into a pivotal crisis state of whether the abuser will seek forgiveness or re-assert dominance where the victim accepts the situation and re-enters a new tranquility phase.  Only till the victim stops the cycle will the domestic violence end (James, 2017, p. 296).

Assessment and Intervention

Upon any report of domestic violence, human service professionals are required to report.  This involves documenting the abuse with pictures and statements, assuring the victim of her rights and giving her a plan, and finally, reporting the incident to appropriate authorities (James, 2017, p. 300).  Most disclosures occur at shelters, hospitals, on scene, via a crisis call or after an arrest. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to access battered women or to get them to display bruises or report a crime.  The Battered Woman Scale measures traits that make it difficult for battered woman to discuss or report abuse.  Overall, most women possess traits of those with PTSD (James, 2017, p. 299).

During the clinical interview it is important to believe a woman who reports battering.  Most women who finally have enough courage to report, are finally doing so after numerous incidents and are finally realizing the life or death nature of the situation.  It is important to listen with empathy, provide support and facilitate the necessary course of action for the victim (James, 2017, p. 302).    It is important as a crisis responder or counselor to be real with the victim and listen with empathy.  The victim should be allowed to express emotion and the time she needs to express and tell it.  The counselor should maintain eye contact during this phase and exercise empathetic listening skills.  It is also important to remain respectful and non-judgemental.  This is a very difficult story for the woman to tell and she needs to be applauded and not questioned with “why”.  Counselors need to also help restate the victim’s thoughts and feelings and help guide the victim to better options and ways to resolve the issue and any fears she may have or possess.  Finally, it is important to follow through and check on the victim’s process (James, 2017. p. 304).

Over the long term, it is important to provide psychoeducation about abuse and feelings associated with it.  It is important to emphasize how unjust family violence is and how to better cope with it in the future.  Other victims may also need aid in dealing with PSTD, or other stressors that are preventing them from healing and moving forward.  In addition, women, families and victims need social support to help through the process (James, 2017, p.314)

Many abusers will need more than merely anger management, but additional support groups to help individuals face their own inner demons and to see the damage their violence does to the people they love.  This may also involve drug and addiction therapy, as well as public intervention.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is not a family issue but a public issue. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis and Anger Management Programs

Domestic abuse whether verbal or physical is always wrong.  It has deeper roots usually and cause deep crisis and trauma to victims.  Many who perpetrate it have their own inner issues.  While men usually are the perpetrator, it is important to note that not only women and children can be abused, but men can also be abused by women.  In addition, same sex couples also face the same domestic issues heterosexual couples face. Counselors, crisis specialists, chaplains, pastors and social workers can play large roles in helping stop the cycle of violence and helping victims find safety through good assessment, reporting and future therapy.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Certification.  The programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed.

 

 

 

Resource

James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage

Additional Resources

“The National Domestic Violence Hotline”. Access here

“Domestic Violence”. Psychology Today. Access here

“Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help”. Mayo Clinic Staff.  Access here

Strong, R. (2023). “What Is Domestic Violence? Learn the Signs and How to Get Help Now”. Healthline. Access here

 

Anger Management Consulting Program Video on Difficult People

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Difficult people are part of life.  Unfortunately sometimes they can become a big problem in the workplace.  One needs to learn how to manage anger when dealing with difficult people and allow one to lower oneself to their level.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Anger Management Consulting Program Blog on Parents and Anger

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Parents are only human and become angry with their children.  Moms can lose their cool and yell and displace anger towards their kids.  These are not uncommon occurrences, so how can moms remain calm and set good examples even on the most frustrating day? Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

How can parents better control their anger with their kids? Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “Anger Management For Parents (Because We Need It Too)” by Megan Glosson looks how moms and parents in general can be control their anger better with their children.  She states,

“Unfortunately, though, anger isn’t an emotion that’s exclusive to kids — parents feel it too. When unchecked, parental anger can become a household-wide problem that impacts everyone. Therefore, it’s important for parents to not only understand their child’s anger but their own as well. Then, once parents understand anger, they can apply the appropriate anger management strategies to help them cope with strong emotions more effectively.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Consulting.

Anger Management Consulting Certification Blog on Leadership and Anger Management

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Learning how to deal with anger of employees and team members and utilize these emotions for the overall good of the team are key in anger management.  Anger Management helps teach managers how to deal with emotion of others in a constructive way that will not harm the team

Anger Management in leadership and the workplace is critical. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “Managing Anger, Frustration, and Resentment on Your Team” by Nihar Chhaya looks at how leaders can control their own anger and their team’s anger.  He states,

“Anger and losing one’s temper in the workplace is nothing new. Many studies show that among all of life’s pressures, job stress is by far the most significant source. In addition, recent research from Gallup reported that daily rates of anger, stress, worry, and sadness among American workers have risen over the past decade.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Consulting.

Anger Management Certification Article on Intoxication and Anger

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Any type of emotion can be enhanced when drunk or intoxicated.  Anger is no exception and in many cases displays itself in destructive ways when drinking occurs.  Fights, abuse, and aggression are all associated with excessive drinking due to the lack of inhibitions that occurs while intoxicated.  Fueled with enhance emotions, it can be a dangerous combination.

Anger and drinking come together too many times. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “How Does Alcohol Use Interact With Anger?” by Bernard Golden looks at how alcohol and anger come together during intoxication.  He states,

“Consuming alcohol can serve as a distraction from a range of negative feelings, including anger. And all too often, as in Ryan’s case, it reflects displacement, directing anger toward a target that is not the source of an individual’s original anger. Under the influence of alcohol, those already predisposed toward anger may vent or, more seriously, direct their anger toward a target that might be experienced as less threatening than the original target.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Coaching.

 

Anger Management Consulting Program Article on Helping Children With Anger

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Anger is natural and with kids it needs to be directed and channeled properly.  If not anger can become rage later in life.  It is important for parents to teach self discipline regarding emotional outbursts and reward good behavior.  It is also important that they set good examples in how they react to stress and frustration.

Children learn about anger by watching parents. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “14 proven techniques to help your child get control of their anger” by Kimberly Yavorski looks at ways parents can help their children manage their anger.  She states,

“Be aware of your own anger. Studies show that parental emotions influence their children. If you think you don’t exhibit anger often, pay attention to how many times you yell or otherwise show anger (maybe keep a journal), noting what triggers it and how you react (yelling, punching the wall, hitting the steering wheel).”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management

 

Anger Management Consulting Article on Controlling Anger with Employees

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Anger is a two sided street in business.  Managers and employers need to show constraint in how they react to employees.  Some employees may cause irritations and cause legal issues and it is important that managers and employers understand how to properly deal with these situations but in a mature and controlled manner.  Anger Management is key in controlling emotions when looking to fire someone or discipline someone.  Emotions can make it personal and this needs to be avoided.

Angry man with fist raised
Employers need to control anger when dealing with less than ideal employees. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “Anger Management: What’s That Have to do With Employment Legal Issues?” by Bill Nolan looks deeper at anger issues in dealing with employees and legal issues surrounding it.  The article states,

“The emotions are normal. But there is not much point in you paying what you have to pay for legal advice just to have the lawyer tell you what you want to hear, especially what you want to hear when you’re understandably upset. How has the lawyer seen it play out before? Are there bad case scenarios you need to be considering? How likely are they?  So by all means, get your frustrations off your chest, then take a deep breath and invite some candid input on your choices and next steps.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Consulting.

Anger Management Consulting Program Article on Tips to Manage Anger

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Things that make someone angry may be trivial or monumental but they cannot be ignored and allowed to fester within.  If they are, then an individual will slowly begin to build up tension which is not healthy mentally or physically.  It is important to acknowledge anger but find a healthy way to express it

Controlling anger and knowing how to release is key to any relationship. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “10 Ways to Let Go of Anger (Without Ignoring It)” by Patia Braithwaite looks at some ways one can let go of anger in a more healthy fashion.  She states,

“Anger is a reaction to a perceived threat, which means it can trigger our fight-or-flight response. When you’re angry, your body releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones that can impact things like perspiration, heart rate, and blood flow, the American Psychological Association (APA) explains. Much like chronic stress, persistent anger can eventually lead to increased risks of hypertension, heart disease, ulcers, and bowel diseases. So while harnessed anger can be a powerful catalyst for action (think: activism), when anger controls you, it can harm your health”

To read the entire article, please click here

With so many negative effects on healthy and social interactions due to anger, it is important to know how to release it but in a positive and healthy way.  Learning to manage anger is a life skill that can improve one’s life and possibly prevent great harm to one’s future.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management.

 

Anger Management Consulting Program Article on Exercise and Anger

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

When stressed and we become angry, we usually seek to fight or maybe even flee.  These are our basic instincts.  When we are unable to allow emotion to burst out, and due to social graces, are forced to restrain ourselves, our body internally suffers.  We cannot yell and scream or hit someone when angry, but later we can release the natural emotion and energy through exercise.  Certain exercises can reduce stress and anger.

Exercise can help reduce rage and anger. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

 

The article, “Does exercise help with anger? This is how a workout can release frustration” by Chloe Gray looks at how we can utilize healthy exercise to deal with unresolved anger.  She states,

“The fact that there is a positive outlet for this anger is great news that is scientifically backed. In a study of 3,403 participants by Stockholm University, people who exercised at least two to three times a week were found to experience significantly less depression, anger, cynical distrust and stress. As well as having long term effects on our emotions, exercise can immediately impact our anger too: a 2016 study by the German Sport University in Cologne found a significant reduction of aggressive feelings after both rowing and combat exercise.”

To read the entire article, please click here 

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program.  The program is for qualified professionals seeking training in Anger Management

 

Anger Management Consulting Article on Anger and Kids

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Children need to learn at a young age how to control emotions, especially anger.  A child who does not learn to control anger can become a destructive adult with numerous issues with the law and society.  Hence an important aspect of parenting is properly teaching a child how to control anger.  Sometimes reprimands need to be more strict but there are also  numerous other ways to teach a child coping mechanisms to control anger.

How do we teach children how to properly deal with anger? Many children mimic poor parental behaviors. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “:Anger Management for Kids: 7 Healthy Ways to Deal with Explosive Feelings” by Emma Singer looks at how children can learn how to cope with their anger.  She states,

“When you’re dealing with an angry kid, it can be hard for even the most even-keeled parents to keep their cool as things start to spiral out of control. And on some level, you kind of get where they’re coming from. Adults are able to maintain at least a modicum of composure when mad, thanks to years of practice at recognizing and coping with the familiar feeling.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four certification in Anger Management Consulting.