Anger Management

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Our Clinical Foundations

Our program is grounded in proven therapeutic approaches that support meaningful, lasting change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT helps participants identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns, understanding connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop healthier responses.

Trauma-Informed Care A trauma-informed care approach acknowledges the impact of trauma on behavior and healing. We create a safe, respectful environment that avoids re-traumatization.

Psychoeducation Provides insight into emotional regulation, substance use patterns, physiological effects, and the impact of impaired driving.

Motivational Interviewing Supports participants in exploring ambivalence, increasing motivation, and strengthening commitment to change.

Restorative Justice Principles Encourages accountability, empathy, and repairing harm caused by impaired driving.

Neurobiological Insights Introduces concepts like neuroplasticity to reinforce that change is possible through consistent practice and support.

Our Approach

An Evidence-Based Program for Accountability, Healing, and Change Our Anger Management (AM/DV) program is a structured, trauma-informed curriculum design to help participants build accountability, emotional regulation, and healthier relationship skills. Sessions include psychoeducation, group activities, reflection, and practical tools for real-life change.

Foundations of Accountability

  • Accountability vs. blame

  • How denial, minimization, and justification maintain harmful behavior

  • The difference between intent and impact

Understanding Power & Control

  • Domestic violence as a pattern of coercive control

  • Physical, emotional, financial, and psychological control

  • Anger as a tool, not a cause

Thinking Errors & Personal Responsibility

  • Cognitive Distortions (blaming, entitlement, catastrophizing)

  • CBT Model: Thoughts → Feelings → Behavior

  • How thinking errors justify harmful actions

Impact of Violence

  • Trauma responses in survivors

  • Long-term effects on partners and children

  • Intent vs. impact

Emotional Regulation

  • Emotion vs. reaction

  • Window of tolerance

  • Regulation tools: breathing, grounding, movement

Triggers & Behavioral Patterns

  • Cycle of violence

  • Trigger → Thought → Feeling → Behavior

  • Interrupting automatic responses

Communication Skills

  • Passive vs. aggressive vs. assertive communication

  • “I” statements

  • Active listening

Conflict De-escalation

  • Early warning signs of escalation

  • De-escalation tools (time-outs, space, self-talk)

  • Safety planning

Accountability & Apology

  • Components of a real apology

  • Restorative justice principles

  • Repair as an ongoing process

And More!

Anger Management Screening & Referral Process

Scheduling

Individuals should schedule an appointment within 30 days of their court order. Thundermaker will not provide notification of screening appointments to referral sources until after appointment is completed and financial obligations are met.

What to Bring

When you come in for your assessment, we ask that you bring any related documentation to your offense and criminal history. These should include:

  • Ticket, Compliant, or Court Order

  • Completion Certificate of any previous anger management classes

What to Expect

Screenings can last from 30 mins to 3 hours, but usually lasts around an hour. A skilled clinician will ask you for information in the following areas:

  • Substance use, legal, and behavioral health history.

  • Family dynamics

  • Trauma and abuse history

  • Risk assessment

  • Functional impairments

  • Offense details including when, where, and with who.

  • Screening tools are used

After you complete your screening, you will receive information regarding the classes that were suggested.