Anger Management: Session Seven – Coping Strategies

Hint

Possible answers:

• Soften your language.
• Avoid using swear words.
• Lower your voice (but not in a sinister way).
• Apply problem solving tools:

• • investigate the root of the problem
  • create an action plan
  • follow through
  • get things done

• Suggest an alternative solution or compromise.
• Communicate better:

• • make a decision to respectfully listen to the other person’s point of view

• Use “I” messages, which are less threatening.
• Try to express your understanding of another person’s point of view.
• Withdraw from a situation rather than let it get worse.
• Use humour! This can defuse some problems and is very effective in many situations.
• Think of a time when you got angry over something that you dropped or broke.
• Laughter is helpful in realising that it is not the end of the world. However, don’t give in to sarcastic humour, which is another unhealthy way to express anger.
• Agree to disagree and let it go.
• Describe a problem without blaming the other person.
• Try to listen to the other person to better understand what they wanted.
• Try to change the subject so things won’t get worse.
• This is a good short-term solution for defusing a situation, or dealing with a situation that just isn’t worth it.