Healing the Angry and Violent Brain: The Neuroscience of Anger, Aggression and Domestic Violence

Presented by Ronald Potter-Efron, Ph.D., CADCIII, LICSW

Monday, November 2, 2015 – Tuesday, November 3, 2015  |  Calgary, ab

Date & Location

The impulse to anger & aggression develops within the human brain , mostly at a subconscious level. It is then inhibited, modified or even increased consciously. The entire program can take place almost instantaneously, making it difficult to contain or control. Recent research in neuroscience has helped scientists better understand these processes. This information is also now being used to help clients become more skilled in anger management as well as to help clients reduce the probability of performing acts of domestic violence. Dr. Potter-Efron has designed a practical program that allows clients to understand the essence of brain change and to develop and implement individualized brain change programs.

We will also describe a six-phase anger and aggression cycle: Activation, Modulation, Preparation, Action, Feedback and Deactivation. We will detail each of these phases from a brain process perspective. Specific practical treatment options will be described for each phase. Differences between phenomena of rage vs anger will be discussed.

Historically the fields of anger management and domestic violence offender treatment have been separated even though the two fields clearly overlap considerably. Here we will discuss the relationship between these fields while providing guidelines to develop and implement both shorter-term educational and longer-term therapeutic programs for domestic violence offenders of both genders.

Who Should Attend

Clinical Professionals: All mental health professionals including, but not limited to Clinical Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Hospice and Palliative Care Workers, School Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Addiction Specialists, Marital & Family Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants and all professionals looking to enhance their therapeutic skills.

Agenda

• Definitions and General Principles of Anger Management Counseling
• Core Information about the Brain
• Ten Things to Know about the Angry and Violent Brain
• The Emotional Brain
• The Social & Cooperative brain
• The Angry & Violent Brain
• Possible Causes of an Angry or Violent Brain
• Changing the Brain: Myelination, Long-term Potentiation, Arborization
• Six Phases of a Violent Episode
• Hate and Rage: The Most Dangerous Forms of Anger
• Substance Abuse and Violence
• Models of Domestic Violence
• Gender Similarities and Differences in Domestic Violence Offenders
• Assessment of Possible Domestic Violence Offenders
• Educational Programs for Domestic Violence Offenders
• Longer Treatment Programs for Domestic Violence Offenders
• Use of Positive Psychology

Learning Objectives

• Be able to train angry and violent clients in the basic procedures that promote brain change
• Be able to help clients differentiate between five different kinds of rages and to help clients accordingly refrain from raging
• Be able to teach angry and violent clients the six phases of an anger/violence episode while giving them specific tools they can use at each phase to lessen aggression
• Be able to distinguish and utilize several models of the causes (and implicit treatment objectives) of domestic violence

Your Presenter

Ronald Potter-Efron, Ph.D., CADCIII, LICSW

Ronald Potter-Efron, Ph.D., CADCIII, LICSW is a clinical pyschotherapist, director of the Anger Management Program at First Things First Counseling and Consulting Center in Altoona, WI, and an internationally recognized anger expert.

He has more than 30 years of clinical experience and in his private practice he specializes in the treatment of individuals with severe aggression and domestic violence concerns. Ron is also author of 15 books, including Handbook of Anger Management (for professional readers); Angry All the Time; Letting Go of Anger and Letting Go of Shame (both with Patricia Potter-Efron), and his newest release, Healing The Angry Brain (New Harbinger, 2012) – a self-help book intended for chronically angry and aggressive persons. Dr. Potter-Efron is also Diplomate of the National Anger Management Association.

Dr. Potter-Efron currently facilitates a 50 session domestic violence prevention program that utilizes the principles of neuroplastic change (long-term potential) to help clients devise and implement individualized brain-based behavioral change plans. He has trained thousands in professional seminars throughout the United States and abroad. Ron is known for his ability to make difficult material easier to understand and utilize, as well as for his good sense of humor and practical orientation towards therapeutic change.

 

Testimonials

“The ‘Healing the Angry Brain Workshop’ was the most informative and current information I have been taught on this subject. It helped me understand how the brain’s electrical and chemical systems work and how this affects people who handle anger poorly. Dr. Ron also includes empirically-supported techniques and practical case scenarios for helping clients who are struggling with anger and aggression issues. Dr. Ron’s engaging presentation is helpful, humorous and will benefit anyone who wants to understand and provide effective anger management services.”
– Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC, BCPCC, CAMS-IV | Oak Brook, IL

 

“It would have been excellent to have a full day with Ronald Potter-Efron.”
– Shelley Willier | Winnipeg, MB | November 19, 2015

 

“The workshop was fantastic! I could see where it could be applied to work and personal lives. Thank you!”
– Richmond, BC | November 30, 2015

 

“Excellent talks and knowledge. Very good clinical tools shared.”
– Richmond, BC | November 30, 2015

 

Registration & Fees