Clinics Give Low-Cost Counseling for Anger

Interface Family Guidance Clinics are offering low-cost group and individual anger management counseling at sites throughout Ventura County.

Uncontrolled outbursts, shouting at family members, co-workers or a spouse are, in many cases, signs of stress and burnout, according to Howard Stevens, director of Interface’s anger management program.

“We look at where people learn to express anger the ways they do,” Stevens said. “We look at the effect it has on other people and, even more specifically, we look at what the effect is on themselves and how to help them make changes.”

The 10-session program covers a different anger-related issue each week.

“After we figure out how they got to where they are and how their anger controls other people, we then get into issues of communicating feelings, the effects of alcohol and drugs, how to listen to yourself and others and how to get what you want in a more appropriate way,” Stevens said. “We also look at ways to negotiate and resolve conflict.”

About half the people who attend the sessions are court-ordered to do so, but Stevens said there are also those who realize their anger has gotten out of control and come on their own and those whose spouse or partner suggests they attend.

The sessions, offered in Camarillo and Oxnard and soon in Ventura, are for individuals as well as couples.

For more information, call (800) 390-5330.