What is the difference between Anger Management classes and individual counseling?
Counseling or psychotherapy consists of treatment for nervous or mental disorders and is provided by Licensed Mental Health Professionals. Generally, payment for these services are paid by Health Insurance Policies.
Anger is not a nervous or mental disorder and therefore, it is not responsive to counseling, psychotherapy or psychotropic medication. Anger Management is a class or individual coaching provided by Certified Anger Management Facilitators. All legitimate anger management providers use a Pre and Post Test as well as client workbooks to teach skills in recognizing and managing stress, recognizing and managing anger, increasing assertive communication and developing empathy and emotional intelligence.
Anger management classes are a class held in a group setting. They are not “group psychotherapy” sessions, but rather educational classes with the intent of teaching a specific skill(s). Individual counseling is usually not considered anger management but rather psychotherapy, so consumers should be aware of the difference. Anger management coaching on the other hand, is probably a good choice if you would like to take an anger management class but would like to do it on a one on one basis with the instructor rather than in a class setting. The approach is also very popular and lends to greater flexibility on session times and hours.
