Posted by eliza gale on January 4, 2012 - 11:22pm
Shannon Munford is an Anger Management Specialist with Daybreak Counseling Service. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.daybreakservices.com/
1. How did you become an anger management specialist? What kind of training was required?
I worked as a Children's Social Worker and a Probation Officer for several years. I found that I was not using my clinical skills as much as I would like. After reading the book Rich Dad-Poor Dad I was inspired to start a business in which I could use my Masters Degree in Therapy as well as my Criminal Justice experience to help others.
2. Out of all the clients you see in a typical month what percent, would you say, are court ordered to be there and what percent come to you voluntarily?
About 50% of our clients are court ordered. Many are coming from the criminal courts and some are ordered by the Children's Court and/or Custody Courts. The other 50% are voluntary or ordered by their human resources department.
3. What is your craziest work story?
My most interesting clients are surprisingly those who work in the entertainment or sports industry. Many celebrities lack insight so it is hard for them to recognize how anger is a problem in their lives. They have lived a life filled with praise and adoration. Its a challenge to get them to see themselves as they really are and not how other people see them.
4. What is the biggest misconception about anger management?
The biggest misconception about anger management is that we treat only bikers, gang members and criminals. The majority of our clients are men and women looking for answers to help save their relationships
5. What piece of advice would you give to my readers about managing their anger?
The one piece of advice I would give readers about managing their anger is to adjust their expectations. Many of the people you come across in this life are not either able or willing to meet your expectations. Once your realize you can not make people conform to your ideas you stop stressing about how other people live their lives.
6. Whose theories do you respect more Carl Jung or Erik Erikson and why?
I'm a big fan of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The assumption is that our thoughts dictate our behavior. If I can change how you think I can change how you behave.
7. What famous person would you most like to have the opportunity to treat and why?
I've met with several famous people in my work, but if Lindsay Lohan is reading this article I'd love for her to give me a call. I've found that most negative behavior, including aggression is rooted in sadness.
8. What makes you angry and how do you deal with it?
Like most people I get angry when I don't get what I want. I've had to realize that there are some things in life are just out of my control. The Serenity Prayer used in many 12 Step programs is a great affirmation for those struggling with control issues. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not control, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
9. Why do people get into fist fights over sports?
The most common reason people get into a fights during a sporting event is probably because they have been drinking. Alcohol has a tendency to lower our inhabit ions, but I can sympathize with Lakers fans out there considering some of the recent decisions made by their front office.
10. I work customer service. How should I deal with my urge to hit my customers in the head with a hammer?
If you work in customer service and have the urge to hit customers over the head with a hammer I might suggest a career change but until then try taking more frequent breaks, taking deep breaths and trying to put yourself in your customer's shoes. Imagine how screwed up their life must be to make them act the way they are acting. A little empathy goes a long way.
Please note; Eliza's interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects:)
http://www.daybreakservices.com/
1. How did you become an anger management specialist? What kind of training was required?
I worked as a Children's Social Worker and a Probation Officer for several years. I found that I was not using my clinical skills as much as I would like. After reading the book Rich Dad-Poor Dad I was inspired to start a business in which I could use my Masters Degree in Therapy as well as my Criminal Justice experience to help others.
2. Out of all the clients you see in a typical month what percent, would you say, are court ordered to be there and what percent come to you voluntarily?
About 50% of our clients are court ordered. Many are coming from the criminal courts and some are ordered by the Children's Court and/or Custody Courts. The other 50% are voluntary or ordered by their human resources department.
3. What is your craziest work story?
My most interesting clients are surprisingly those who work in the entertainment or sports industry. Many celebrities lack insight so it is hard for them to recognize how anger is a problem in their lives. They have lived a life filled with praise and adoration. Its a challenge to get them to see themselves as they really are and not how other people see them.
4. What is the biggest misconception about anger management?
The biggest misconception about anger management is that we treat only bikers, gang members and criminals. The majority of our clients are men and women looking for answers to help save their relationships
5. What piece of advice would you give to my readers about managing their anger?
The one piece of advice I would give readers about managing their anger is to adjust their expectations. Many of the people you come across in this life are not either able or willing to meet your expectations. Once your realize you can not make people conform to your ideas you stop stressing about how other people live their lives.
6. Whose theories do you respect more Carl Jung or Erik Erikson and why?
I'm a big fan of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The assumption is that our thoughts dictate our behavior. If I can change how you think I can change how you behave.
7. What famous person would you most like to have the opportunity to treat and why?
I've met with several famous people in my work, but if Lindsay Lohan is reading this article I'd love for her to give me a call. I've found that most negative behavior, including aggression is rooted in sadness.
8. What makes you angry and how do you deal with it?
Like most people I get angry when I don't get what I want. I've had to realize that there are some things in life are just out of my control. The Serenity Prayer used in many 12 Step programs is a great affirmation for those struggling with control issues. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not control, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
9. Why do people get into fist fights over sports?
The most common reason people get into a fights during a sporting event is probably because they have been drinking. Alcohol has a tendency to lower our inhabit ions, but I can sympathize with Lakers fans out there considering some of the recent decisions made by their front office.
10. I work customer service. How should I deal with my urge to hit my customers in the head with a hammer?
If you work in customer service and have the urge to hit customers over the head with a hammer I might suggest a career change but until then try taking more frequent breaks, taking deep breaths and trying to put yourself in your customer's shoes. Imagine how screwed up their life must be to make them act the way they are acting. A little empathy goes a long way.
Please note; Eliza's interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects:)
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