Managing Anger and Aggression

Many foster youth have issues related to anger and aggression related to past trauma and abuse. Review the contributing factors to anger and aggression in youth. Discuss techniques for helping youth to manage their anger, including monitoring feelings, assertive communication, changing behaviors, revising negative thoughts and beliefs, developing empathy, and reducing stress. Explore staff approaches for responding to aggressive behavior.

Instructor Paul Gibson, LCSW, is a Program Consultant with over 28 years of experience developing and directing programs for culturally diverse youth in residential, public health, mental health, and vocational services. He has more than 20 years experience as a licensed therapist and educator providing extensive trainings for youth service providers on working with vulnerable youth. He currently serves on the Mayor’s Transitional Youth Task Force in San Francisco.

Anger Management

Explore:

• What is and is not anger
• Social skill development
• Helping children understand and express feelings
• Helping adults understand and express feelings appropriately
• Positive coping and defensive strategies
• Prevention and de-escalation techniques.

Helping Children Manage their Anger

Anger is a normal and natural feeling that all people experience in their lifetime.  Some have a way of hiding their angry feelings; others appear to control their expressions of anger; yet others seem out of control. While society says it’s okay to have angry feelings, no one wants to see them expressed.  As we examine our own anger, we will become aware of the power of thought processes.  Examine techniques for dealing with our angry feelings.  Explore what our children are trying to tell us when they are angry. Review the psychology, physiology, and effects of anger. Learn how to respond to children’s feelings and to empower children to understand cycle of their own behavioral response

Instructor Bernadine Luckey, MSW, LCSW, is the Director of the Foster & Kinship Care Education Program for the CCSF Child Development Department. She holds accredited certificates as an Integrated Studies Specialist and Alcohol & Other Drugs Counseling. She has provided education, training, consultation, and counseling to individuals, agencies, schools, and communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 15 years. She has developed a complete set of well-balanced programs and workshops that provide valuable information essential for today’s complicated world. She has coordinated and implemented programs for the San Francisco Superior Court, SF Police Department, SF Unified School District, SF Public Heath Department, Oakland Public Schools, Community Substance Abuse Services, The National Council on Alcoholism, Youth Guidance Center, Family Service Agency, Department of Human Services, San Francisco Child Abuse Agency, California Childcare Resource and Referral Network, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Low Income Housing Fund, Professional Development Initiative, San Francisco City College, Contra Costa College, Merritt/Peralta College, local hospitals, and the faith community. Her teaching style is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and pragmatic.