Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- Have you ever had trouble dealing with anger or have been told you have anger issues from loved ones, co-workers or your neighbors?
If so, the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Family Services on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow has a solution available for Department of Defense employees, retirees, active duty service members and their family members.
“The program is called Anger Management for the 21st Century,” said Manny Llanura, the course instructor with MCFS on MCLB Barstow, Calif.
This course is for people who have a problem controlling their anger, said Llanura. There are two ways someone can get into the class. The first way is if they are recommended by their command and the second way is if the person volunteers to better themselves, Llanura added.
The course can be broken up into segments, explained Llanura. If an attendee misses a day, they can make it up in the next cycle. Participants can also get into the program halfway through and continue the program the next time the base holds it.
“Just because we have started the course doesn’t mean people cannot sign up,” said Llanura. “We give (people) the opportunity to make up classes that (they) have missed.”
In the course, the attendees learn how to control their anger by acquiring eight tools the course offers.
“These eight tools are: dealing with stress, developing empathy, responding instead of reacting, changing self-talk, learning assertive communication, adjusting expectations, forgiving but not forgetting, retreating and thinking things over.” said Llanura. “These tools can help a person manage their anger with control.”
Throughout the 8-week-long course, attendees are given a class on each tool. They learn what it can offer them in a real-life situation, explained Llanura.
“Each tool teaches something different like assertive communication,” said Llanura. “It helps a person learn different strategies to handle and resolve interpersonal conflict.”
While the participants are learning, the instructors observe them while they develop their skills and come closer to controlling their anger.
“When participants are going through the course, you can see them learning,” said Angelica Mora, a course instructor with MCFS on MCLB Barstow. “The skills we are teaching them are basic and easy to follow, this way the information is getting to them instead of going over their heads.”
Mora explains, she finds satisfaction in teaching the class because she wants to help them.
After the participants complete the course they are awarded certificates of completion and should have the tools to control their anger at any given time and place, said Llanura.
“It’s okay to be angry,” said Llanura. “Being angry isn’t the bad thing because everyone (gets) angry; it’s not knowing how to control (the anger is the) the problem … and that’s what we are trying to teach.”
If you or someone you know is seeking more information on Anger Management for the 21st Century, contact MCFS or call 760-577-6533