Facilitation Technique Category: Anger Management

Title: Blown Anger Away

Source: "Angry Tornado Anger Management Activity." Angry Tornado Anger Management
Activity. N.p., n.d. Web.
Equipment: An empty, clean, rinsed out plastic water bottle with the cap, glue for the tops of
bottles, different colored paper, markers, 2 drops of clean dish soap per tornado made, red food
coloring, different colored glitter to represent emotion, such as blue, purple, green, red, gold,
black, and as an option a multicolored glitter, any waterproof tokens of choice that can represent
a type of anger management
Activity Description:
Per McKenney, A. (2016), Anger is a natural response to a situation in which a person
might feel threatened or treated unfairly, or is confronting a potentially harmful situation (Reilly
et al., 2002). It is an emotion that affects not only an individuals emotional health, but dependent
on the amount of anger and response to the anger, it can begin to affect a persons physiological
health as well, such as causing a raised heart rate, as well as blood pressure and cardiovascular
disorders. A person who is experiencing feelings of anger can display physical symptoms,
amongst emotional symptoms. The physical symptoms present for a person who is experiencing
anger can include stomachache, headache, clenched jaw, or teeth grinding, as well as, sweating
and shaking.
The purpose of the activity, Blown Anger Away, is for individuals to create his/her own
Angry Tornado example with art supplies. This personal physical portrayal displays how anger
can build up inside a person and when they begin to feel the Angry Tornado building up to
implement a coping strategy discussed and practiced with a professional. This activity can be
completed in a leader to participant ratio of 1:3, but may also be completed with up to a ratio of
1:5. The less individuals to professional can allow for the professional to assist and discuss
aspects of the Angry Tornado. The discussion topics can be unique to each group, however
some topics may include discussing the different emotions and personal feelings of anger with
the client. As well as when the client experiences anger, this may be more difficult in a larger
group.
The first step to facilitating the Angry Tornado is to show him/her an example of what
the final product will look like. Next, the facilitator will discuss with the client the types of
emotions they are feeling. Then display different colors for the client. Have him/her distinguish
what the color is that he/she feels with this emotion. Next, take the water bottle and fill it about
three-quarters of the way with water. The client will then add the red food coloring into the
water. After the red food coloring is added, the client will be assisted by the facilitator in adding
about a teaspoon of dish soap, he/she will add the glitter, and his/her token of choice into the
bottle. Next, glue the top of the bottle on to keep it from spilling. Last, demonstrate swirling your
tornado and have the client shake his/her Angry Tornado and swirl it around to resemble an
angry tornado. Then have him/her place the bottle down and come back it after a few minutes
and see how calm the water in the bottle is.
Debrief with the client how anger can make a tornado in each of us and have him/her
discuss and write down some possible things he/she can do to calm the tornado they

experience. Allow the client to take the bottle home as a reminder of the natural process of how
anger comes and goes. Explain that just as the tornado calmed, eventually things will settle
down.

Leadership considerations:
The person facilitating the activity has to be sure he/she is well prepared with the
equipment necessary. It is important that the facilitator be aware of the complexities and
components of anger. Each individual may experience anger in a different way, the facilitator
should explore the various ways that an individual could experience anger and be prepared if the
situation that arises needs alternative measures to be taken. The facilitator should also be aware
of any other health diagnoses or risks that may require special response, such as hypertension.
The facilitator may want to discuss the ZIPPER strategy with clients. ZIPPER is a
mnemonic device that stands for Zip your mouth, Identify the problem, Pause, Put yourself in
charge, Explore choices, and Reset created to assist in remembering how to handle a provoking
situation. It is important for the CTRS to be aware of body language of the client. The CTRS
should be aware of medications or even the change of medications that clients are taking to
ensure he/she is knowledgeable on possible side effects that could be present.
Adaptations:
Participants who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
For individuals who are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder allow for frequent
breaks between tasks. Create sessions days and times at flexible start times, possibly later in the
day. Allow the lighting in the room to be as natural as possible or provide a full-spectrum light.
Motivation is important, provide positive praise and reinforcement. Allow individuals to share on
their own time. Utilize the ZIPPER strategy mentioned above during the activity.
Participants with Schizophrenia:
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by an individual who at various
times departs from reality. Some individuals with schizophrenia may experience delusions,
characterized by false beliefs about the self, others, or objects despite proof of the contrary. A
person who has schizophrenia may also experience hallucinations which may be experienced
through any of the senses, and are a perception of objects or beings that arent actually there. To
adapt this activity to an individual with schizophrenia it is important to demonstrate respect when
speaking and listening.
Due to individuals who have schizophrenia having disorganized thinking and speech, an
adaptation can be made to the instruction set provided. The instructions should be concise and to
the point with instructions. Reduce the amount of distractions, present one supply for the project
at a time. Provide verbal instructions and written checklists.Utilize the ZIPPER strategy
mentioned above during the activity.
Adaptations References:

Datillo, J., & McKenney, A. (2016). Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation

(3rd ed.). United States: Venture.

Dattilo, John. Inclusive Leisure Services. 3rd ed. State College, PA: Venture Pub., 1999.
Print.

Team, JAN Web. "Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Mental
Health Impairments." Accommodation Ideas. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<http://askjan.org/media/Psychiatric.html>.

"Angry Tornado Anger Management Activity." Angry Tornado Anger Management

Activity. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016. <http://www.creativecounseling101.com/angermanagement-activity-angry-tornado.html>.