Purpose
Separate the feeling of anger from the choices that follow it, and start using anger as information instead of permission to escalate.
Lesson 1 - 30 minutes
Understanding Anger
Anger as a signal, not an excuse
Key ideas
Anger is a normal emotion; harmful behavior is still a choice.
Anger often points to a blocked goal, a boundary concern, fear, shame, stress, or perceived disrespect.
The first goal is not to never feel anger. The goal is to notice it early and choose a safer response.
Written practice
Write one recent anger situation. Name the trigger, the feeling underneath it, the behavior you chose, and one safer behavior you could choose next time.
Quick check
What is the most useful first step when anger begins?
Expected answer
Notice the signal early and slow down before choosing what to say or do.