Certified Anger Management Specialist Training

Why This Video is Helpful
This video offers a clear demonstration of a cognitive-behavioral style mock group session on anger management. It’s practical, concise (around 14 minutes), and shows how a facilitator introduces concepts, handles group dynamic, and models interventions. Great for illustration and critical observation.

While watching this video, observe!
Take note of facilitator techniques—how they open with safety cues, manage talk time, handle emotions, and guide skill practice.

Notice when she uses the techniques we discussed in lesson 4 like role play, NFA, feedback, and structure.

Reflect:

Answer these questions:
1) What worked well in how the facilitator handled group challenges?
2) What might you do differently if you were facilitating this session?
3) Describe one skillfully handled moment and one you might adapt.

Apply:

Draft your own brief outline (5–7 bullets) of how you would open a similar anger management module.

Put your answers in the comments section below.

Why This Video Stands Out
The video presents a CBT-based role-play session where a therapist or facilitator models real-time feedback.
You’ll observe techniques like identifying cognitive distortions, encouraging adaptive responses, and assigning meaningful homework.
It offers a clear example of feedback delivered in a professional, skill-focused manner—ideal for modeling facilitator feedback in anger management settings.

Identify feedback techniques used that mirror what we taught in the lessons:

Use of “SBI” (Situation–Behavior–Impact) or “EARS” (Elicit–Affirm–Reflect–Suggest) strategies.
How the facilitator invites self-assessment and validates effort.

Reflect

What aspects of the role-play feedback did you find most clear or helpful?
How did the facilitator model constructive feedback without shaming?
If you were observing, what feedback shift might you try?

Apply by drafting your own feedback script for a role-play scenario (e.g., time-out + re-entry) using a structured model.

Place your answers in the comments section below.

Why This Video Works
Offers a realistic role-play scenario where a facilitator models de-escalation strategies.
Demonstrates clear stage-based de-escalation techniques—calming language, offering choices, reflecting emotions, and maintaining safety.
Excellent for teaching just-in-time responses to rising tension in anger management groups.

Watch the full video first to identify facilitator moves that align with your training:

Stage 1 (Agitation): Notice how the facilitator lowers their tone, slows pacing, and creates space.
Stage 2 (Verbal Aggression): Observe how they gently but firmly set boundaries with clear options (“…step out for a moment or lower your voice”).
Stage 3 (Threats/Unsafe Behavior, if included): See how they handle crossing that line and what follow-up actions they take.
Aftercare: Pay attention to how they reestablish safety, reset group norms, or offer a moment of reflection.
Learner Reflection Prompts:

Which de-escalation move felt most effective and why?
Were there moments you personally disagreed with? How would you handle it differently?
Create a quick role-play script (3–4 lines) using one strategy you observed (e.g., boundary + choice statement, calm pause).

What Is the SAMHSA Anger Management Facilitator Manual?
The SAMHSA Anger Management Facilitator Manual—formally titled Anger Management for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients: A Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy Manual—is a nationally recognized, evidence-based resource developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This public-domain manual outlines a 12-week, 90-minute-per-session group curriculum based on cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT), tailored for individuals dealing with anger issues alongside substance use or mental health concerns. It includes detailed instructions for facilitators, session outlines, key talking points, illustrative tables, and between-session challenges. The manual is designed to be used with the companion participant workbook to support active learning and skill development.

Why It Matters for Your Training
Credibility & Clinical Rigor: Rooted in peer-reviewed research and updated by SAMHSA in 2019, this manual reflects best practices in CBT for anger management, making it a trusted foundation for facilitator training. 
Structured, Session-by-Session Format: Each session includes leader scripts, structured check-ins, suggested remarks, and between-session challenges—designed for ease of delivery and strong adult learning outcomes. 
Versatile & Adaptable: Though developed with substance use and mental health clients in mind, the manual’s clear CBT framework and customizable tools can be adapted to various group contexts.

How to Use It in This Course
Download & Use as Your Capstone Group Model

Use the manual as a template for building your own group sessions—it maps directly onto the sessions we’ve covered (e.g., core knowledge, program structure, facilitation skills, assessment).
Practice Facilitator Language & Flow

Read through the “Instructions to Group Leaders” and “Suggested Remarks” for sample facilitator phrasing and timing. This is especially helpful if you’re new to leading groups.
Review Between-Session Challenges

Integrate the manual’s between-session exercises into your own course assignments or as “homework” examples for real-world application.
Compare with Participant Workbook

The workbook summarizes session content and includes worksheets and space for reflection. Use it to model how participants can engage effectively in this training.

By incorporating this manual into your learning journey, you're aligning your facilitator training with a validated, research-based model—helping you deliver informed, structured, and effective anger management groups.

What Is the SAMHSA Participant Workbook?
The SAMHSA Anger Management Participant Workbook, titled Anger Management for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients, is the companion workbook to the SAMHSA facilitator manual. Revised in 2019 and fully in the public domain, it mirrors the 12-week, CBT-based anger management curriculum and provides participants with clear summaries of session content, structured worksheets, practical reflections, and space for personal notes across all sessions.

Why This Workbook Matters for You
Designed for Active Learning: The workbook isn’t just passive reading—it guides participants through hands-on exercises, between-session lessons, self-awareness checks, and goal-setting tools, making learning experiential and internalized.

Aligned with Course Structure: Each session’s content—ranging from identifying triggers to cognitive restructuring, assertiveness training, and family dynamics—is summarized succinctly and matched with participant activities. This provides continuity and reinforces lesson retention.

Creates Personal Accountability: The workbook’s between-session challenges and note sections empower learners to track their own insights, reflect on applicability, and remain engaged over the 12-week timeline.

Flexible & Versatile: While designed for group delivery, many individuals have successfully used it for independent learning, making it adaptable for asynchronous or self-guided formats.

How to Use It in This Course
Download the Workbook: Keep it accessible throughout the course—you’ll use it alongside each session’s content.
Complete Reflective Exercises: After each lesson, work through the summary and worksheet sections to reinforce learning and plan your real-world application.
Practice Between-Session Activities: Treat the challenges as mini-homework, strengthening new skills like anger awareness, coping plans, and “I-statement” practice.
Use It as Your Personal Growth Journal: Your notes and responses can serve as a framework for future facilitator practice and your own progress tracking.

In short, the SAMHSA Participant Workbook is your hands-on, trustworthy companion in this certification journey—keeping you actively involved, supported, and focused on mastering the skills of effective anger management facilitation.

Video Description for Facilitators
This brief video—titled "Anger Management Lesson One"—offers a foundational overview of constructive anger management strategies. It focuses on teaching individuals how to:

Recognize and express anger in healthy, controlled ways
Employ problem-solving techniques to address anger triggers effectively
Develop practical communication skills that foster resolution rather than escalation

Why It’s Valuable for You
Real-world modeling: The video demonstrates how to present anger management tools in a clear, accessible way—an excellent reference for pacing, tone, and simplified explanation.
Skill emphasis: It highlights critical techniques—like constructive expression and problem-solving—that align with your curriculum and can be integrated into lesson plans or role-play scenarios.
Facilitator reflection prompts:

How does the presenter introduce and frame each strategy?
What language choices make the skills accessible to learners?
How might you incorporate one of these strategies into your next group session?
Standalone flexibility: Its short length (presumably just a single lesson overview) makes it ideal for asynchronous modules—learners can watch it quickly, then reflect or apply the content in exercises or assignments.

This video—"Anger Management – LESSON 2: CUES"—focuses on identifying the events and internal signals (cues) that precede or indicate rising anger. It succinctly explains how recognizing external triggers and internal warning signs (like physiological sensations or thought patterns) can help individuals intervene earlier in the anger cycle.

Why It’s Useful for You
Concept Clarity
The video clearly delineates between external triggers (such as conflict or criticism) and internal cues (such as muscle tension, racing thoughts, or chest tightness), reinforcing the foundational concept of early detection in anger management.
Teaching Model in Action
Notice how the presenter separates content from personal interpretation—using neutral language to describe anger signals. This exemplifies a facilitator approach that empowers participants to self-monitor without judgment.
Reflection Prompts

What key cues did the video highlight that align with your session content on the anger cycle?
How would you guide participants to identify and track these cues during a group session?
Write a brief facilitator prompt (1–2 sentences) aimed at helping clients recognize their physical or emotional cues.

This video provides a clear, structured guide to developing an anger control plan—a practical tool for helping individuals identify triggers, anticipate responses, and choose healthier coping strategies.

Why This Video Benefits Facilitators
Practical Blueprint
The video breaks down the essential components of an anger control plan: recognizing personal triggers, anticipating emotional or physiological responses, and preparing proactive coping strategies. This serves as a solid template for facilitators to introduce or model for participants.
Clear, Step-by-Step Delivery
The presenter walks through the plan in a logical, easy-to-follow manner, making it an excellent example of how to deliver practical content in a structured, digestible way.
Reflection Prompts for Learners

Which elements of the anger control plan resonate most with the curriculum we've covered in our training?
How might you adapt the plan’s structure for a group with limited time or literacy needs?
Draft a brief facilitator prompt (1–2 sentences) guiding participants to create their own individualized anger control plan.

This video—"AGGRESSION CYCLE – Lesson 4"—provides a focused breakdown of the aggression cycle and introduces practical skills to manage anger before it escalates into aggression. It covers early warning signs, patterns of escalation, and actionable strategies designed to help individuals regain control and avoid negative outcomes.

Why It’s Valuable for Your Facilitators
Clear Conceptual Framework
The video articulates the progression from trigger to aggressive response, helping facilitators reinforce how early recognition enables effective intervention.
Skill Modeling
It demonstrates concrete tools—such as tonal shifts, behavior redirection, or breathing techniques—that facilitators can adopt or model during sessions.
Teaching Prompts at a Glance

Identify when in the cycle each skill is most useful (e.g., early agitation vs. mid-escalation).
Observe how pacing and language tone modulate group emotional tone.
Draft a facilitator cue that encourages early intervention, for example:
“Notice the tightness in your chest—what might you do in that first moment to pause the cycle?”

This video, "Cognitive Restructuring," offers a focused and practical exploration of how cognitive restructuring—a core component of CBT—can be applied to anger management. It walks through the key steps: identifying irrational thoughts, recognizing cognitive distortions, and gradually replacing them with balanced, realistic alternatives.

Why This Video Is Valuable for Your Facilitators
Clear Conceptual Framework: It breaks down cognitive restructuring into approachable, actionable steps, aligning with anger management protocols.
Practical Modeling: The presenter demonstrates how to question distorted thinking—such as all-or-nothing or catastrophizing—and substitute it with more helpful, rational perspectives.
Facilitator-Friendly Teaching Style: Language is kept neutral and educational, making it an excellent model for how facilitators can phrase interventions in their own groups.

Reflection & Integration Prompts
Identify Distortions: Pause the video when distorted thinking appears—what did the presenter label it as, and what reframing technique was used?
Facilitator Prompt Practice: Write a short script you might use when leading a group:
“When you thought ‘I always lose control,’ what is another way to view that that’s more balanced?”
Worksheet Application: After watching, draft a mini worksheet with these columns: Situation → Thought → Distortion → Reframe. Apply it to a real or hypothetical anger scenario.

In this video, we are reviewing the first five lessons with clients.

This video, “Lesson 7: Assertiveness Training and Conflict Resolution Model”, offers a practical guide to understanding and practicing assertive communication—positioned as the healthy, balanced response amidst passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive styles. It introduces a step-by-step conflict resolution model designed to help participants handle conflict respectfully while honoring their own needs and others’.

Why It’s Important for You
Clarifies Assertive vs. Unhealthy Responses
The video explains why passive behavior (avoiding conflict), passive-aggression (indirect hostility), and aggressive responses are ineffective, and demonstrates how assertiveness provides a respectful alternative that maintains boundaries without escalating conflict.
Models a Structured Conflict Resolution Framework
It outlines a practical process—typically beginning with identifying the issue, expressing feelings, exploring outcomes, brainstorming solutions, and choosing a collaborative path forward. This clear model is ideal for guiding participants through structured practice.
Ideal for Teaching Tone and Delivery
Note how the presenter balances firmness with empathy in tone and language—demonstrating how facilitator wording can empower participants to stay grounded without becoming defensive or overly yielding.

Reflection & Application Prompts
Identify Examples: After watching, reflect on a moment when assertiveness reshaped a conflict.
Write a Facilitator Cue:
“When others discount your feelings, one assertive opener is: ‘I feel [emotion] when [behavior], and I’d like [specific request].’”
Worksheet Activity:
Create a mini worksheet with columns labeled: Issue → Feeling → Need → Assertive Statement. Ask participants to complete one based on a personal scenario.

Title: Lesson 8: Anger and the Family — In this lesson, the facilitator explores how family dynamics, particularly how anger was expressed by parents and caregivers during one’s upbringing, shape our current responses to anger. The video prompts self-reflection on generational patterns of anger and offers strategies for developing healthier emotional communication within family systems.

Why This Lesson Matters for Facilitators
Generational Insight:
The video illuminates how deeply ingrained patterns—learned from family modeling—can influence individual anger responses. Understanding these origins helps both facilitators and participants recognize root causes and target change more effectively.
Encourages Self-awareness:
By prompting participants to reflect on their own family backgrounds, the video paves the way for micro-insights that often fuel motivation for change. It models how to introduce sensitive topics with empathy and structure.
Guides Sensitive Facilitation:
Notice how the facilitator frames the content delicately—encouraging reflection without blame, honoring discomfort, and normalizing family complexity. This is a strong model for guiding participants through emotionally charged topics safely.

Reflection Prompts for Learners
Personal Reflection:
“Think about how anger was shown in your family of origin. What patterns do you recognize in your current responses?”
Facilitator Prompt Practice:
Try writing a question you might offer as a prompt:
“What messages about anger did you internalize from your family? How do you want to—and can you—do it differently?”

Application Worksheet:
Create a simple table with columns labeled: Past Family Pattern → Personal Reflection → Change Intent. Invite learners to fill it out based on the video.

Anger Management Facilitator Training – Study Guide
This study guide reviews the main ideas from Lessons 1–5. Use it to reinforce what you’ve learned and prepare for your certification quiz.

Lesson 1: Introduction & Standards
Role of the Facilitator: Your main job is to model healthy emotional regulation and guide participants through structured sessions. You are not diagnosing, judging, or giving legal advice.
Confidentiality: Everything in group is private except if someone threatens to harm themselves or others, or if child/elder abuse is disclosed. These must be reported.
Ethics & Professionalism: Following clear standards builds trust with clients, referral sources (courts, probation, employers), and the community. It also protects you legally and professionally.

Lesson 2: Core Knowledge Review
The Anger Cycle: Trigger → Thought → Feeling → Behavior → Consequence. Recognizing the sequence helps participants intervene earlier.
Cognitive Distortions: Unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anger. Example: “Everyone disrespects me” (overgeneralization).
Physiological Responses: When angry, the body reacts (e.g., faster heart rate, tense muscles, adrenaline). Knowing these signs helps people catch anger early.
Evidence-Based Approach: Anger management is most often based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people change both their thoughts and behaviors.

Lesson 3: Program Structure & Curriculum
Session Design: Each session should include (1) Education, (2) Skills Practice, and (3) Reflection.
Reflection Activities: Examples include journaling, group discussions, or short written exercises that help participants connect lessons to their own lives.
Relapse Prevention: The goal isn’t to eliminate anger but to prepare for high-risk situations. Identifying triggers and planning coping strategies helps prevent setbacks.

Lesson 4: Facilitation Skills
Participation Balance: Use round-robin exercises or timed sharing to make sure everyone has a voice.
Managing Dominance: Redirect gently if someone monopolizes discussion; timeboxing is effective.
De-escalation: If someone becomes agitated, lower your voice, slow your pace, and model calm. Offer clear boundaries and choices.
Call-ups vs. Call-outs: Invite participation respectfully (call-up) rather than shaming someone (call-out).
Feedback Models: Use SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) or EARS (Elicit–Affirm–Reflect–Suggest) to give clear, constructive, and respectful feedback.

Lesson 5: Assessment & Evaluation
Purpose of Evaluation: Shows measurable progress, accountability, and credibility to referral sources.
Objective Documentation: Focus on behaviors, not labels. Example: “Client interrupted twice, redirected, and complied.”
Check-ins & Progress Tracking: Use pre-tests, mid-program reviews, and post-tests to measure change in triggers, coping strategies, and skill use.
Red Flags: Ongoing denial, constant blaming, escalating hostility, or refusal to complete homework may signal a need for additional support.
Program Improvement: Evaluation isn’t just for clients—it helps facilitators adjust pacing, add practice, or close gaps in the curriculum.

Tips for Studying
Review the Anger Cycle: Be able to explain each step in your own words.
Know the Difference: Between aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication.
Practice Feedback Models: Memorize SBI and EARS and think of examples.
Use Examples: Link each concept to a real-life scenario—it’s easier to remember and apply.
Think Behavior, Not Labels: Always describe what you see (actions), not your opinion about the person.