Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it (CALM)

The CALM (Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it) programme is a nationally accredited programme provided by Northamptonshire Probation Area as part of the National Probation Service’s ‘What Works’ initiative. The initiative aims to reduce reconviction rates by adopting approaches for which there is evidence of effectiveness in changing the way offenders think and behave.

Based on the Cognitive Behavioural approach to understanding and controlling emotions and aggression, the programme aims to reduce anger, violence, and emotional loss of control. Using motivational interviewing techniques it aims to get offenders to:

Clarify the difference between anger and aggression. Although the ultimate goal of the CALM programme is to teach the control of aggressive behaviour, learning to control anger is considered the most effective means to this end.

Get participants to monitor and reduce their levels of arousal. High levels of arousal are another key factor in the development of anger and aggression, so it is important to learn to manage physiological arousal levels.

Develop problem solving skills. Thoughts are a key factor in the development of anger and aggression.

Develop skills in both assertiveness and communication which give offenders the ability to deal with others effectively.

CALM consists of 24 sessions of two and a half hours, spread over 8 to 24 weeks.

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For more information about the work of programmes within prisons, please click here.