Abstract
Counselling with a focus on the treatment of anger has become associated with batterer intervention programs. Dan Short presents mounting evidence that violence prevention programs based primarily on psychoeducational and cognitive behavioural methods are failing to prevent violence. He suggests that while some blame poor outcomes on those being treated, it is also possible that those responsible for treatment have adopted approaches that are insufficient for this particular problem. Looking to the science of emotion, it can be seen why the use of conscious deliberate cognition to regulate emotion is not effective for individuals who have long periods of intense emotional arousal. The most significant problem is the refractory period during which cognition is governed by emotion, allowing only thoughts that confirm, justify, or heighten the emotion. Short argues that for those with severe anger and rage problems, emotional process work is needed, specifically, the use of emotion to change emotion. The transformation of anger begins with a close and confident observation of what occurs, followed by the introduction of new emotional alternatives, which can then drive new ways of thinking and acting. In this way, we do not over-correct problems of excessive anger by seeking to eliminate it, but rather the experience of this emotion is transformed so it can better serve the needs of the individual and those in his or her life.
Published Version
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