The Anger Solutions™ program has a proven track record, having been in use by a variety of agencies for
over 10 years. The program combines the best of several evidence-based practices including CBT, REBT,
Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Results from our outcome measures show a consistent
increase in self esteem for all AS participants, a reduction or elimination of target behaviours, a reduction
in alcohol dependency and risk-taking behaviours.

What is the difference between Anger Solutions™ and traditional Anger Management Programs?

The first and most important distinction is the terminology - as it reflects the underlying philosophy of the
program. Anger Management implies that we are teaching people how to CONTROL something - and
when you break that down, Anger Management programs are teaching them to control behaviour. Anger
Solutions is about RESOLVING the emotion of anger, and the issues that bring it up.

Because we confront the underlying beliefs that dictate people's behaviours, we actually give them the tools
they need to CHANGE their old responses to new ones that are more effective. In effect, we do not need to
teach them how to control their behaviour because we have taught them something much more valuable,
and that is how to respond to their emotions safely and appropriately. The behavioural change comes as a
result of that (of course, with some coaching from facilitators).

The second distinction between the Anger Solutions program and traditional AM programs is its approach.
Rather than sticking to one model (usually cognitive behavioural), our program takes the best of several
therapeutic models and combines/tailors them into a suit that is the best fit for our clients. We incorporate
the CB approach along with Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, traditional behavioural therapy ,
and the psychosocial rehabilitation model for lifeskills training.

Together they create something that is more powerful than using only one of these tools. You know the old
saying, "if the only tool you have in your toolbox is a hammer, you tend to treat everything like a nail." So,
Anger Solutions represents a complete toolkit, rather than just a hammer.

One of the keys to making this program work is the leveraging we do with clients to ensure that they are
internally motivated to change their responses to anger. This helps with the attrition rate (drop outs as the
program progresses), and again creates a stronger sense of buy-in, which in turn results in greater success.

Another difference is focus. In the Anger Solutions™ groups, there is no time built in for people to talk
about "the things that MAKE them angry" - because in the end, it really doesn't matter. Indeed, one of the
first things we teach them is that people and things don't MAKE us angry. (If that's the case, then we are
puppets, completely at the mercy of external stimuli). Rather, we have anger inside us, and certain things
evoke that response. It is a different way of thinking about anger.

Lastly, the forgiveness component, is a powerful piece that helps people to let go of whatever hurts they
brought with them to the group, and they can move on from there. Once people learn to truly forgive, then
the anger of past hurts dissipates and no longer comes back to affect today's choices.