Using the Anger Thermometer

The anger thermometer can be used in counselling as a mechanism for discussing various anger-provoking scenarios and establishing the label befitting the feeling evoked. Scenarios can range from yielding reactions that are mild to reactions that are intense.
 
Examples include, the feeling evoked when:

1. you are woken up 10 minutes early (mild)
2. you know someone is lying to you (moderate)
3. you feel abused or attacked (intense)

By sharing perceptions of language associated with the various steps along the anger continuum, client and counsellor avoid misunderstandings generated through assumptions and thus become better positioned to engage in a mutually understood dialogue.

Click on the image below to view an example of the “anger thermometer tool”.