‘Anger management’ professor hosts workshop

We were very pleased to welcome a special guest from the field of mental health to our Trust in June.
Professor Raymond Novaco PhD, professor of psychology and social behaviour at the University of California, hosted a two-day workshop on anger assessment and treatment to over 40 members of our staff in Wakefield.
Professor Novaco pioneered using cognitive behavioural therapy for anger, and coined the term “anger management”. He has extensive expertise on the assessment and treatment of anger, and the effectiveness of his treatment approach has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies.
Topics covered at the workshop included psychopathology and clinical challenges, and shaping behavioural coping skills. Our staff were able to discuss the nature of anger, its functions in affecting behaviour, its involvement in diverse clinical problems, and special challenges for professionals in treating anger and aggression.
In between Professor Novaco sharing his insight, staff were invited to generate discussions and take part in thought-provoking group tasks.
Dr Mike Doyle, deputy director of nursing, clinical governance and safety, said: “Professor Novaco’s knowledge and research changed how health professionals approach and treat anger. It was amazing to have such a well-known figure in the mental health world present to our staff.”