We provide anger management counseling at no additional cost to students who have paid their health fee. Students will meet with Judy Stevens, a registered nurse and wellness educator/counselor.

The Judicial and Mediation Programs Office, hall director, student attorney or other outside legal service may refer you us because you have been involved in a violation of community policies. This mandate is an opportunity for you to gain knowledge and information around how you manage your anger.

You don’t have to be referred from an outside service to seek anger management counseling.

I feel that I have a hard time controlling my anger, what should I do?

If you are not sure you need help, it may help to look at the following statements and determine if they may be true about you:

• I tend to get angry more frequently than most people.
• It is easy to make me angry.
• Something makes me angry almost every day.
• I often feel angrier than I think I should.
• I am surprised at how often I feel angry.
• At times, I feel angry for no specific reason.
• When I get angry, I stay angry for hours.
• I get so angry, I feel like I might lose control.

If you feel that most of these statements are true you may benefit from anger management counseling. This is an opportunity for you to examine your own approach to conflict and expressing emotion in a way that may be more productive for you and others you engage with.

What should I expect from an anger management counseling session?

Whether self referred or mandated, your first visit will consist of an assessment. Please allow approximately 45-60 minutes for this meeting. The counselor will ask you several questions about past experiences with anger, possible triggers etc. This session also includes a brief written assessment. If you are mandated, you will be required to come back for a follow up appointment.

You will learn the conflict behaviors you rely on and if you are using some conflict behaviors more or less than necessary. After the assessment, you may continue to be seen for anger management or you may be referred to a counselor at the Counseling Center or an outside therapist. The wellness educator/counselor will encourage you to take steps to identify your anger, cool down and communicate.

Related Educational Information on Anger Management

• False Beliefs About Anger
  Anger is often perceived as a negative feeling. But what is it really?
• Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
  Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life.
  http://www.apa.org/topics/controlanger.html