Anger is one emotion we all have. For some of us anger is the 
primary way we express our needs when we get upset. What is 
interesting about anger is that it is usually a response to some 
other emotion we are having. Really give it some thought. Think 
about the last time you were really upset. Were you upset because 
someone hurt your feelings? Perhaps it was because you felt 
blamed or were minimized? Anger is usually a secondary response 
on the "emotional food chain". There is usually some other 
emotion that precedes it. Learning to understand our true 
feelings that get masked by anger is the first way to understand 
how we can express our anger more effectively.

Taking a class in anger management can be really helpful. Anger 
management classes are not just for people that broke the law and 
get sent by the courts. Anger management classes are used by 
corporations, managers, law offices, school personal, families 
and volunteer. Most good anger management classes teach skills 
that many of us just don't learn in school or in life. You will 
learn better ways of communicating so that your true feelings and 
needs get expressed.

Most anger management classes also teach skills in assertiveness. 
Learning to be assertive will help get your feeling, needs, and 
mood expressed in the most appropriate way. When we speak 
assertively, we do it in a reasonable tone, we don't use 
profanity, we make good eye contact, and we feel good about 
ourselves. The opposite of being assertive is being aggressive, 
passive-aggressive or just passive.

You will also learn ways to reduce stress. When we reduce stress 
we feel better. We also help increase our life expectancy because 
high levels of stress over prolong period of time can have 
damaging effects to our bodies (and our minds). Anger management 
classes will often teach you the skills you need to identify and 
mange stress in ways you never thought possible.

Most anger management classes also teach skills in increasing our 
empathy. When we increase our empathy we are better able to 
understand the feelings other people might be experiencing. 
Becoming more empathic gives us the ability to not get as 
frustrated with others and have better insight into our own 
feelings. Many anger management classes teach these skills. They 
are valuable because they help us become better working with 
others as well as having stronger more rewarding relationships.

The bottom line is, don't wait to have anger ruin a valued 
relationship. Anger is an emotion that can be understood. Bad 
behavior can be unlearned and replaced with more positive and 
appropriate actions. The more you can understand about your own 
anger the faster you will be able to do something about it. Most 
people let anger control their lives. In many cases anger has 
ruined lives by destroying relationships and dissolving 
partnerships. Learning skills in an anger management class could 
change your life for the better. Enroll in a class and try it 
out. Getting the help you need could save you more than realize. 

The AJ Novick Group offers a variety of anger management programs
including in-person classes, home study programs, accelerated 
weekend classes and much more. Visit http://www.ajnovickgroup.com
for more information.