Ineffective anger management has wide reaching consequences for kids growing into adulthood.
The lack of control directly contributes to social justice concerns such as domestic violence, antisocial behaviour and depression, to name a few.
It is not uncommon for the clients I work with to have deep feelings of guilt, shame and regret as well as a host of personal baggage from trauma and hardships, which are often difficult to work through. Clients often refer to this anger as a dark pit that eats away at them.
Due to the side effects of ineffective anger management, most of us tend to view anger as a ‘bad’ emotion. However, when harnessed appropriately, it can actually be a very useful agent for change.
It is in this spirit that the Rage program was created, using tried and true evidence based on therapeutic tools drawing from solutions-focused, cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based therapies.
The aim of the Rage program is to teach kids the usefulness of anger when appropriately managed and normalise this complex emotion for them in a non-judgemental environment.
The program not only explains anger’s true purpose as a change agent but provides a holistic view of the impact of anger on mental wellbeing, physical health, relationships and the wider community.
Rage then focuses on teaching skills needed to manage anger more effectively and encourages growth through practice of assertive communication that emphasises respectful and appropriate expression and self-care.
Rage is an engaging and tactile program with activities that cover a wide range of learning styles and ages. It includes everything from ancient folk stories from the darkest reaches of Antarctica to team- based physical challenges that allow the participants to practise skills learned in session and to be coached in real time by their facilitator.
As educators we understand that education is more than just books. It is about teaching and encouraging children to become functioning members of society and assisting them to develop the knowledge and skills to reach their maximum potential mentally, emotionally and physically.
I’m proud to say that the Catholic Schools Office and CatholicCare are working together to deliver the Rage program to students across the diocese, demonstrating our combined commitment to driving positive change in the community.
CatholicCare welcomes the opportunity to deliver wellbeing programs in schools within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Please phone 6539 5900 to find out more about how we may be able to assist you.
