"Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness; and concealed often hardens into revenge."

~Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Testimonials

To view testimonials from delighted clients who have gone on to help others with anger management - please click here
2010
I had asked for a message to passed on to Mike Fisher saying thank you - I had originally had a conversation with Mike a year or so ago I had phoned up to find out about courses after seeing an advert in the local magazine - When I spoke to Mike it refreshing for him to be clearly annoyed that he had to speak to me and then after realising I was not a journalist or a reporter for him then to explain why he had shown such frustration in a very matter of fact way! I couldn't afford the course or the franchise at that moment of time but I had become somewhat intrigued at the way there was no embarrassment in Mike voice when he apologised and explained his reasons for his initial approach to me it seemed do honest - I did a google search on him and vowed the moment I could afford a course I would do one. It so happened that after much time a random email appeared in my inbox regarding a parenting course and detailed that they were also now running them in Derby I decided I wanted to go and enrolled myself and my partner to attend - to cut a long story short a few days before we were due to attend the course my partner bailed out I flew into what I know to be rage - not anger - had to cancel but decide due to my outburst I would do the intensive anger management weekend the following weekend to save losing my money already spent. I didn't particularly think I had a serious issue with my anger management - but I am beginning a master in Drama therapy so decided to give it a look more so for professional reasons than for personal reason. Anyways a week before the course the book arrived I read it in a day so engaging and amazing was the revelations - I also realised the immense issues I had - I was almost scared to attend the course - the course date came and I made my way to Derby and met Julian and Paula - I cannot believe how much I was affected by the material after the first day - I felt awful at the realisation that my actions were adversely affecting my children, by the evening of the second day I found myself in a situation where before friday would have resulted in me screaming at my sister and left me feeling awful but having said what I needed to say but not sure if had been heard or just telling my sister to shut up and then I would have went away feeling awful and what I had to say would be unheard. By using the feelings wheel I clearly, calmly explained how I was feeling and how I viewed the situation - in that one conversation she understood things I had been trying to explain and express for years she ended up crying (not nice, but at the same time it was as it was a cry of oh my gosh I get it i'm so sorry!!) and apologising.

I just cannot beginning to express how amazed I am at the simplicity of the program but the effectiveness. I mentioned in the course during feedback that Mike Fisher is just real cool and was told by Paula and Julian that that would be something that he would like to hear - SO Mike you really are immensely cool, cool headed, cool natured, cool giving - YOU ARE COOL!

This is not exactly a brief summary but I ask to be excused - i also mentioned to the lady I spoke to that I felt there were areas of the course that I felt could lend nicely to some dramatisation and felt that I would like to explore this during my learning and would be interested in knowing how I could gain permission to trial a couple of ideas I have and then forward the feed back on to some one at BAAM!?

Just found the whole process really life changing corny I know but very very true! Definitely something I could see my self incorporating into my personal life and drama therapy in order to help others - thought about using masks, taking the unfreezing of past hurts literally as in having people actual step into to different roles and act out what they would've wanted to happen instead - so the use of freeze frames at crucial points and then hotseating into the different roles, and lots more random things have popped into my head since the course ended.

Sorry I have seriously rambled but what I really wanted to emphasise is that I am in awe of Julian and Paula and I know they have been trained my Mike and that they only know a portion of what he knows as they cannot attach the personal experiences that Mike has experienced which came across in the book. SO thank you much you cool dude!!

from Monica - a once exceptionally mismanaged angry individual who now understands there are other ways to express my anger, hurt or shame that does not require me to go down the rage road! - I still however love and respect my anger it makes me human and reminds me that I live each day with passion and purpose as if I didn't get angry, hurt, sad, scared, shamed, empowered, or happy about things - I would not want to change things and life would remain very much the same - BORING!!

Monica Hall, Necastle-on-Lyme


Dear All,
My apologies for not saying good bye at the end of such an intense and awesome weekend. I rushed out to catch a 5:07 train and realized I left without saying good bye to anyone. I just wanted to say that collectively, you all made a profound impact on me. I learned so much about myself and each one of you. It was incredibly helpful to hear everyone's vulverability which allowed me in turn to show my own vulnerability. I wish you all the best of luck in your travels and please feel free to contact me any time.

With Best Wishes,
Alta

2009

"Most valuable course to attend, parents went away with a tool kit of ways to help them to understand their own anger and how to deal with their own children's anger too. We had full attendance on the day which showed how parents valued the learning and how to change their behaviour towards their children. The group bonded well and felt to share their issues with other parents in a safe environment, they also felt they were not alone with their parenting problems.
They learnt how to describe their emotions and describe their feelings better and this would help them to use this with their children so they can gain emotional literacy and well-being."

"By the end of the 7hr course I saw the light bulb switch on in parents heads, about the changes they were going to make at home to enhance their relationships with their children, and improve their families well-being."

Kate Subanney
Development and Commissioning Manager
Early Intervention, Prevention and Parenting Support, Ealing Council
Understanding Anger for Parents, 28 Nov 2009

It has been 4 months since I attended the BA2 Anger Management course. My feelings immediately after the course were of intense joy, relief and liberation, which came from being able to understanding my anger, the triggers of my anger, and how to manage my behaviours more effectively.
Four months on, and the intensity of those feelings has mellowed into a more realistic view of how to apply, and where necessary adapt, the techniques and experiences from the course into my everyday life.
I have been good at applying some things, and not so good at applying others. But that is OK, as the work is on-going, part of my re-vitalised journey through life.
Everything I have applied so far though has had an amazing and positive effect on my life, and on those around me.
There are still situations which result in me feeling anger. But that is OK, because I have come to realise that feeling anger is a natural part of me, and probably a natural part of being human. Before the course however, the menu of choices I had in dealing with that anger were limited to repressing it, or behaving angrily towards others. Since the course, the menu of choices I have has increased to include a wide range of more healthy and satisfying options. And repressing my anger, or getting angry at people are off that menu.
Thank you, again, to everyone at BAAM for helping me achieve this!
Mike B: BA2 July 2009

I would just like to say I found the course very good, I wish I had gone on a course like this years ago. I hope now I can apply the things I have learned and make a difference to myself and my children's lives. The course tutors were excellent.
Judy: Ealing Parenting course Nov 2009

Having just attended one of the courses offered by BAAM, I can honestly say it was one of the most transformative, inspirational and life-affirming experiences of my life. From the moment I spoke with Lynne on the phone, her warm and soothing manner put me at ease, and the efficiency with which she dealt with my application was second to none. I would also like to thank all the "behind-the-scenes" team that I didn't meet, who help Mike and the other facilitators do a fantastic job. As for Mike himself, words alone cannot describe the wisdom, warmth and expertise with which he guided, taught and gently but firmly challenged us to face our own demons and learn how to start turning them into our own personal angels - it is something that has to be experienced to be believed!
To everyone involved, including the other participants, I thank you for your openness, for your unconditional acceptance, for your inspiration, and for simply being there, in the moment.
But most of all I would like to thank you for allowing me to give back to my family the husband and father they deserve, and for giving me back a life much richer, happier and meaningful than the one I went in with.

The practical techniques I learned on the course, together with the deeper lessons I have learned, and will keep learning about myself, have allowed me to see that this is my life's work: to continue to apply the techniques and the lessons every day, and carry on the work started on
the course- though from the vantage point of having completed the course it is as much a celebration of life as it is work.
Mike B: BA2 July 2009

The anger management weekend was brilliant for me - professionally as a counsellor Mike inspired me with his authenticity, his boldness, his interventions that turned peoples' lifes around, and his humour that lightened everybody's burden - he is a great facilitator and personally to be reminded that setting clear boundaries is helpful to me and those around me, and most of all that I dont have to take things personally, it made me skip home.
Malai, counsellor Bristol

"Many thanks for such a fantastic course and how I wish I had found it before.
To say I feel a weight has been lifted from my shoulders is an understatement. Following the course I now understand my anger in far more detail than I ever could have wished and in addition have a series of tools that have already been put to test and are serving me incredibly well.
I appreciate that this is very much on going work but could not feel better equipped for the challenges ahead. Many thanks again."
Kit. BA2: Jan 09
2008
"I am a registered psychotherapist who has trained with Mike Fisher. I am medically diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder because of my anger (mixed with depression). For years, I was consumed with alternating periods of rage and depression. Through extensive psychotherapy self-analysis, I have come to learn that these cycles are natural highs and lows for me. They still occur, but markedly less so.

Mike Fisher's intensive training programme has enabled me to accept my anger as a natural, biological response to the circumstances presented to me. But further, and more significantly, I have learned how to express my anger in a healthy rather than a destructive way, and I carry this work forward with my clients.

There is, in my opinion, too much stigma attached to anger. Anger is a feeling that is equally as valuable as other feelings such as happiness and sadness. The problem for our society is one of inappropriate expressions of anger, often experienced or viewed as explosive anger.
Much worse, in my opinion, is "anger turned inward", whereby someone dare not express their anger. So they "implode" and damage themselves rather than risk damaging anyone else. We learn the 5 basic anger styles (intimidator, interrogator, winder-upper, victim, distancer) as children and we carry them forward into our adult lives. I can be (and have been) all of these styles depending on how I perceive the "power balance" in that moment. The one style that we generally tend to associate with anger is that of the intimidator. It is the style that gets all the bad press in the form of violent, physical, aggressive anger. I have been that style. I feel shame about it, but I can openly own it. But anger does not equal aggression. Someone can be aggressive without feeling in any way angry, and we need to identify this more clearly.

Anger is the single motivator that empowers people to respond to the hurt, sadness, shame and fear they may feel in any situation. I consider myself to be normal rather than abnormal. And Mike Fisher's programme has helped me to discover this about myself."
Kevin Barrett, Manchester 2008

"I am a person who has not had an easy upbringing ( as you know ! ). However, I have endeavoured to improve myself and move on in life and through the years I suppose in some ways I thought I had. After all, I had become well known for my own work and practices in anger management and managing aggressive and violent behaviours within the healthcare services. Nevertheless, not up until I attended your beating anger workshops and your diploma in anger management at the British Association of Anger Management did I realise how little in fact I had. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity Mike to thank you in particular, but also the other group members from the April 2005 Cohort. The memories and experiences of those many times we spent together sharing our past, present and future lives to be, will always remain with me. Thanks again!"
Jack Walker, Senior University Lecturer.

"Just a quick note to pass on my gratitude to you and your administrative colleagues, and of course to Mike and Helena again, for the superb course that I attended this weekend. Enormously helpful / enjoyable, and very much looking forward to putting some of the useful tools I picked up into practice. Thanks again, very much appreciated!"
Patrick, London Nov 2008

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who participated in making the weekend, the most significant journey of self discovery that i have every been on and i understand that in no small part you are to be thanked also. Mike Fisher is truely a remarkable man and through his stewardship this weekend i am encouraged to take the course further. Onced again my warmest thanks."
M. Grant, Oct 2008

"I just wanted to let you know, I have just finished your book ‘Beating Anger’, and it has been a revelation! For years I have been passive-aggressive without even realising it. I have dealt with numerous situations appallingly because of it (the most recent I’ve nearly had a nervous breakdown over it!) and have been wracked with guilt and regret over the way I express my anger.
I have also identified a few major negative core beliefs that I believe have been holding me back and filling me with resentment, and because of them have placed ridiculously high expectations on myself and others, and have also become very judgemental.
Your book, combined with a positive thinking seminar I recently attended, will now help me to overcome these issues and become the person I want to be. Thank you!"
C.L - 2008

"I know I said this on Sunday but I really wanted to let you know that I left the course feeling as though a million light switches have been tripped in my head. The amazing thing for me is that I had acknowledged the problem for many years and whilst I have carried the tools I now know that I needed the instruction on how to use them. You provided a moment of realisation that I have never encountered before. I have spent years as an aggressive and explosive character and am now aware that this stems from the adversarial relationship I have with myself, not those around me upon whom I have heaped much misery and negativity with my outrageous outbursts. There I have said it. Years of denial and the answer has arrived over the course of two days - I have a great deal of toxic shame to deal with.

Since Sunday I have felt far less tense and far less twitchy (the amazing thing is, I have spent most of my life with a whole range of nervous tics and these subsided very early into the course and have so far remained that way). I feel as though a peace has descended upon me now that I have made the first step on this significant and life changing journey.
Thank you."
Anon, Southwark, London July 2008

"I know that thank you's were said on Sunday, and tears were shed, but now after time for reflection I would like to make sure you all know how great it was to be present.
Please convey my thanks to Mike and Linda for making the whole weekend so worthwhile and such a safe place to be able to find out so much about oneself.

I feel peaceful, powerful and even an element of joy, which I have not felt for long long time. I keep finding myself grining its weird!!!
Thank you form the bottom of my heart, you are wonderful people."
C.Cosgrove, Shropshire March 2008
2007

"I took part on the 2 day residential BAAM anger management course in December 2007. I can truly say that it was the catalyst to change my life. Mike was a terrific tutor and gave an insight into the causes of anger, the effect that it has on your body, different types of anger, how to control it and also that anger is not always a bad thing. The course was something that I was persuaded to do, and afterwards I really felt the rewards and I hope that the people around me have done too.
Thanks Mike."
Navina, Dec 2007


" I have been meaning to check in with you for weeks. A big thank you for the weekend - it was an extraordinary time, very powerful, very revealing and for me a watershed in learning how to manage my anger. Thankfully I could see early on how hard this journey is going to be and how much consistency is needed to get there. I am keeping a journal, but not writing it enough, I am checking in  when I remember, but slipping when life gets frantic. These tools are so useful, but boy do you need to keep at it and is it easy to slip. I am in touch with some of the support group but will contact everyone eventually. People just love the idea of a quick fix and you know despite being really hard this journey is one that has moments of great reward. LIke when I  did the detour method with my husband and put to rest something I had reacted to with fear and anger for years with out knowing why. Now I will not get so upset by water fights ever again and my kids can enjoy them with out having a scared /angry mummy hovering around. Keep up the great work. With sincerest thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight."
Diane, London July 2007

"This class is saving my Entire Life from devestation. It is rocking my world that was near callapse due to not being able to deal constructively with my anger. Why I was not taught the skills I am learning within the course at school I will never understand. These skills are for life and without them life has been very hard to deal with. To me this is Evolution at its very best. Four years of counselling, all I needed was to realise Anger is my Friend and we will get along just great!"
Danny, London May 2006

"A belated thank you for the course that I attended a couple of weeks ago.I am sure you hear this very often but I really did find it hugely enlightening and motivational also. A great relief to see that other people struggle with things in the same way that I do and that if I follow what really are simple steps I should be able to become a better person to be with.
Since coming home I must say that i have been very relaxed and have been able to take things in my stride. A couple of pressure points have come up but I have been able to deal with them in a constructive way. I have noticed if I am likely to be starting down the road of dumping on someone else through keeping my anger in - whilst I have not felt the need to
"clear" with anybody I have been able to step back and look at the big picture and above all not take these things personally. Something that I had been trying to do previously but always found very challenging.
Anyway - a very big thank you to you and your team once again. I look forward to coming on the follow up course.
Many thanks once again."
Cameron, Milan March 2006

"I really want you to know that my life has completely changed around..completely..I haven't won the lottery or found the love of my life etc but what I learnt will stay with me for life. Ninety percent of the depression I felt all my life completely disappeared..I can't explain it..I'm hardly angry and if Iam ..I detect my behaviour pattern more easily and gain control again and i'm also ore in tune with what my body and emotions are telling me.
I know I will commit to seeking professional therapy, counselling...whatever it takes for my daughter not to repeat the cycle that I was repeating. I'm commited to talking about depression and anger by personal experience and how it spilled over in every area of my life. I can't thank you enough."
Gina, Birmingham February 2006
2005
"I commissioned Mike Fisher to train us in Anger Management because I felt that as frontline public servants, my team of Housing Support Officers, who work with emotionally distressed and often angry people would benefit from acquiring more skills in dealing with such a client group. Mike explained in our initial conversation that the team would need to understand their own anger before being able to learn techniques on how to dissipate or defuse their client's anger. Following both tranches of the training my personal view, which was echoed by the other staff on the course, was that the course had provided an excellent insight into why we behave in the manner that we do. While accepting that anger is a perfectly natural human emotion there are techniques to be learned and practised that would enable us to express our anger in much less destructive ways. The course has equipped us with the skills to diffuse people expressing their anger to us, whether in a personal or professional context.
The consensus view from my team was that the course should be universally available to the rest of the housing service and indeed any service that meets members of the public. It also had the unexpected bonus of being a team building exercise and has undoubtedly brought the team closer together.
I would strongly recommend this course."
Roger Robbin-Coker
Housing Support Service Manager
Housing Services
London Borough of Barnet - August 2005

"I am Michael's favorite aunt, so I am biased in his favour! If you had known the beautiful, loveable, smiling, clumsy, "stupid" (as we thought – before learning about dyslexia)  little boy that I knew, you would realize how far he has progressed in his life. How he has overcome his difficulties, how he hid his shame and unhappiness behind a laughing face. I have learned so much from his book.  I didn't realize that I was angry when I said that I was "irritated" by my husband, or complained that my "children (30+) were telling me what to do!
Mike has written in such a conversational style, that you feel you are sitting face to face with him.
In Hebrew I would say  "Kol Hakavod" Michael -  all honor to you.
I love you."
Toni Calo, Mike Fisher's Aunt, Israel - October 2005

A full year after completing your weekend residential course, I wanted to write to tell you how it has transformed my life for the better. The past twelve months have been the most fulfilling of my life. My ability to manage my anger (I have not once regressed into rage) and to deal with my emotions ‘intelligently’ has unleashed the most extraordinary positive energy that has immeasurably benefited my mental and physical health, family relationships, friendships and work. I would one day very much like to study for the Diploma as I am truly evangelical about the programme’s benefits to fellow ‘angerholics’. I owe so much to your guidance and encouragement – and to BAAM’s wonderful ethos. Thank you so much.
Tony, London - September 2005

2004

"Can't thank you enough for my life changing weekend, I shall be evangelizing
your work and handing out your business cards!"
Lara, London - March 2004

"It might sound a bit glib to suggest that this will be the defining moment for the rest of my life; but I genuinely believe this to be the case. The shadowing illustrated to me the reasons why I get angry in particular situations and the detour method allowed me to understand my attitude towards my relationship with my wife and that this was all down to the 'baggage' that I was carrying around from years ago. For the first time I understand that I don't have to get angry. I could not have been more impressed by your insight and your ability to understand and empathise with all the individuals in the group and their issues. I look forward to meeting you again and to able to say to you face-to-face "I CAN control my anger" Something that I never thought I would ever be able to say (and genuinely mean). Thank you."
Julian, Herts

Mike is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable and intuitive therapist I've ever met. His honest, assertive approach is both inspiring and empowering. He uses reflective techniques as well as offering practical strategies. This combination provided me with clear direction and the clarity of thought that I had previously lacked. I now feel calmer and more confident than ever before and all the important people in my life have also benefited from my renewed energy and optimism. I also finally agree that anger is a gift!
Jo,Surrey - December 2004

"I think you the work you do is wonderful. I can’t believe how much I have benefited from it. It’s the best decision I have ever made. I’m really gonna miss our Wednesday nights but I have made some very special friends. Thank you once again."
Lindsey, London

“I have tried many things, but this is the most concrete method/ pathway and the only one to have made a difference. I’m happier than I’ve been for years and it gets better the more I use the programme.”
Michael, Manchester

2003

“I’ve opened up a whole new way of dealing with my own and other people’s anger. I feel empowered with the new depth of understanding I have of myself and have a good deal more empathy when dealing with other people. My own training work has doubled as a result of doing the course.”
CiCi, Freelance Lifeskills Trainer, London

“Having worked in betting shops for twelve years I was regularly confronted by angry and sometimes rageful individuals. I would either rage back at them or grin and bear it and then take my unexpressed anger home to the people I love most. Having had enough of the pain I got on to an anger management programme with B.A.A.M. This transformed my life and my relationships. I am now able to understand my feelings and express them appropriately and to the right person. I got so much out of the course I decided to become an Anger Management trainer myself!"
Andrew, Anger Management Consultant, Herts

“As I got older, I saw a pattern in the breakdown of many of my personal relationships. The course helped make me realise I wasn’t a freak. I’ve learned that anger is often a symptom of previous events - usually from childhood. I started to see why I was angry and where it came from.”
Ingrid, Nurse & Complementary Therapist

“Some people can’t control their anger. Other people can’t begin to express it. Either way, BAAM can help.”
Evening Standard