The British Association of Anger Management

The British Association of Anger Management: anger management since 1997

The British Association of Anger Management (BAAM) is a UK-based organisation founded in 1997 that offers anger management and personal development programmes. According to its own presentation, it has helped over 20,000 people and describes itself as one of the most recognised anger management agencies in the UK. Its programmes are designed and delivered by Mike Fisher, a psychotherapist with over 26 years of experience in personal and professional development, and author of the book Beating Anger, which has sold over 80,000 copies in the UK alone and was included in 2013 among the top ten self-help books by The Times newspaper.

Programmes and delivery methods

The offering combines in-person, live online and one-to-one courses, with the stated aim of adapting to each person's circumstances. Featured programmes include:

• Six-week live online group course.
• Two-hour online introductory session.
• Intensive weekend in-person group course in various UK locations.
• Live online individual course.
• Live online couples course.
• Live online family course.
• Ongoing support group with monthly online subscription.
• Court-ordered anger management programme, available online and in person.

The organisation also mentions an initial assessment, court reports and evening refresher classes for those who have already completed a programme. The catalogue indicated the availability of an early booking discount on some courses.

Approach and methodology

BAAM notes that 95% of its clients had no previous experience with therapy and that its programmes avoid complex psychological language to focus on practical techniques and results within specific timeframes. The work is not limited to controlling temper: according to the organisation, it also analyses the causes of anger, addressing both symptoms and their origin. The courses aim to foster self-awareness, self-regulation and more effective communication of emotions to improve personal and work relationships.

Institutional recognition and scope of work

The organisation states that it is recommended by solicitors, courts, CAFCASS and the police, and that it is fully recognised by the police, courts and social services. It also declares that it has worked with the NHS and regularly with HR departments across various sectors. In terms of recognition, it mentions the CV Magazine awards for best mental health provider in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Media presence and publications

Mike Fisher, founder and training director, has appeared on British television, radio and in the press, and his work has been featured in media such as The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Times, Cosmopolitan, GQ and Stylist. In addition to Beating Anger, he is the author of Mindfulness and the Art of Managing Anger. The website also brings together its own resources such as podcasts, a blog, a recommended reading list and the Anger Awareness Week initiative.

Self-assessment tools and regulation kit

The organisation makes available free tests for anger, stress, shame, self-esteem and adverse childhood experiences, presented as a first indication of a person's emotional state. It also sells the Anger Reset Kit, a structured set of tools to regulate anger in the moment, developed from the same method that BAAM uses in its accredited programmes. The kit is structured in three steps: recognise early signs before they intensify, regulate the physical response through guided techniques, and respond with intention rather than react.