There are several techniques that you can suggest to the inmate to help control and manage their anger:
- Encourage the inmate to work on recognizing what their triggers are and what they can do to avoid them – managing one’s anger is a skill that requires continual practice
- Suggest that the individual takes a moment (ex: count to ten) to allow for time to think about what they want to say when feeling angry before saying something that might instigate the situation further
- Brainstorm solutions to find productive ways to deal with anger – suggest going outside (timing permitting), write in a journal, talk to someone you trust, read a book
- Remove the individual from the source of the stressor
- Attempt to redirect the conversation and help the individual relax to prevent escalation of the situation
- Acknowledge and validate what the individual is saying
- Be an active listener and stay calm
- Engage in relaxation techniques (breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
