The article, below, on an anger management course and the delegate’s experience came to my attention from a friend.

As soon as I read the content I knew exactly who the facilitator was…it’s not me.

To be fair to the facilitator they have a committed desire to be authentic to their work and thus if their check in on their feelings are “peaceful” when everyone else is not, for them, it is their authentic check in. They would not see that as possibly patronising. That same facilitator would be the first to acknowledge that they are not, themselves, “cured of anger” and 100% calm. They are still on their journey as we all are.

The writer’s speculation that they could see anger management as fitting into the narrative that stops us being angry at injustice is interesting and I can see that perspective clearly.

My view, for what it is worth, is that just and righteous anger has been changing the world for the better for years especially when you talk about the context of equality and human rights. Equally a programme like this attended by the writer can help you deal with life as it is, your reactions to life as it is, and help you divide your anger into productive or unproductive/destructive pots and deal with each differently.

I liked the article a lot. I have a lot of empathy with the writer and their position and I hope that their experience does not put them off using the tools and techniques they did find useful. I also hope it does not put them off exploring more ways of dealing with the personal challenges they have and continue to experience.

As I said above, I recognise the facilitator described because they have a very distinct style. I have worked with him and have a lot of respect for his skill as a therapist.

I also know you would have had a different experience on my programme.

Here’s the link to the full article on the Guardian Website. It is worth a read.