Getting Rid of Anger (Part 2)

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:31 NIV)."

I once worked at an adult residential crisis center. Most clients came to the facility after being released from psychiatric hospitals or hospital emergency rooms. Some came right off the street. It was a learning experience to say the least.

One woman I counseled was very angry. Her file stated that she had "homicidal ideation"; that is, she was so angry she was considering killing someone: "I might do it" she would say. Her story follows.

She was a lesbian and had had conflicts with her roommates/lovers. Drug abuse, domestic violence and stealing was involved and there was a lot of anger all around. From what I could gather, she was no more innocent than the others.

Clients participated in two formal counseling sessions per day. The supervisor was exasperated because none us counselors felt like bothering to put a formal addition into this client's treatment plan in reference to her homicidal ideation. This is critical since, had she gone out and harmed someone, the Company would have been liable.

I finally did, after figuring out what to do. It was a secular program, so I could not use the Bible.

I had the woman write a letter to her roommates that went something like this:

"I'm writing this letter so I can have more peace. I will apologize for my part in the problems we have had. And I will apologize for any angry feelings. Best wishes (client name)."

It actually did work! After she wrote the letter, and it was put in the mail, I again asked the client about her homicidal ideation: "It's gone" she said.

The next time I looked at the chart, the supervisor noted that I had put something into the treatment plan in regard to the issue: "You finally did it!" she said.

A link to Part 3 is below.

Go to Part 3.

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