Exposure-Based Treatment for Anger Problems: Focus on the Feeling

Excessive anger can foster health problems and damage relationships. Traditional methods for treating individuals with anger-related problems have employed skills training and relaxation methods. This paper proposes that anger and anxiety share many clinical features, and that intervention models that have been effectively employed in the treatment of anxiety disorders can also be used safely in the treatment of anger-related difficulties. Specifically, exposure and response prevention can be effectively integrated with other cognitive behavioral approaches in the treatment of anger problems. Procedures for conducting these treatments are described. Examples are drawn from clinical work with New York City traffic agents, dysfunctional couples, aggressive children, and outpatients self-referred for anger problems.