How to Become an Anger Management Coach

Contributor
By Abby Hall, eHow Contributing Writer

Anger issues are a laughing matter when watching Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in the movie "Anger Management." In reality, though, people who have trouble controlling their anger and rage can lose relationships with significant others, family members and friends. They may also lose their jobs or have legal problems as a result of incidents that occurred when they got mad. Anger management coaches and counselors are needed to help this segment of the population learn positive methods for dealing with their anger before it becomes a problem.

Instructions

   1. Step 1

      Earn a bachelor's degree. Certification through the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific requirement for what subject your degree needs to be in, education, counseling, family studies and human services are just a few that prepare you to work in an occupation helping people overcome their anger problems.

   2. Step 2

      Complete the Basic Anger Management Content Program. This program is sponsored by NAMA and provides scientific information about the brain and anger as well as teaches you how to effectively help people learn to overcome their anger management problems. You can find professionals throughout the United States who are certified to teach this class by visiting the NAMA website.

   3. Step 3

      Perform four anger management classes. The basic certification through NAMA allows you to teach educational classes for individuals interested in learning how to better manage their anger. Some of these individuals may be mandated by the court to attend while others choose to attend. To get certified, you must teach four anger management classes under the guidance and supervision of a counselor approved by NAMA.

   4. Step 4

      Apply for level I certification. Submit an application along with a copy of your resume and a $100 application fee. Document on the application completion of the basic anger management content course as well as the four supervised anger management classes you taught.

   5. Step 5

      Complete the certification requirements for level II if desired. Level II certification allows you to counsel individuals with anger management problems on an individual basis as a mental health professional. You must be licensed as a mental health counselor or professional with your state as well as have professional liability insurance. In addition, you must teach anger management classes for six months, complete four sessions of supervised individual anger management counseling and submit the application and fee to get level II certification.

   6. Step 6

      Continue obtaining certification as needed. Additional certification is required after five years if you want to teach or supervise individuals working toward level I or II certification. You must submit program curriculum and supervision plans to NAMA as well as attend two meetings where you must explain and defend your teaching and training plans. In addition, you must complete the application for higher certification and pay the $100 application fee.


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