Anger Management Certification & Training for Professionals
Evidence-Based. Trauma-Informed. Developmentally Grounded.
Anger is more than a behavior to manage. It can be an invitation to understand ourselves more deeply, recognize the patterns that shape our responses, and develop new capacities for navigating life's challenges.
Growth Central Training's Psycho-Active Anger Management™ program prepares helping professionals to support that process through a thoughtful integration of brain science, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and developmental and relational awareness.
Our NAMA-authorized Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-I & CAMS-II) training offers a structured, practical curriculum for professionals, educators, and community practitioners working with individuals and groups.
More Than Managing Anger
Imagine a sculptor standing before a rough block of stone. With skill, patience, and the right tools, something meaningful begins to emerge. Working with anger requires the same thoughtful attention—not simply to what appears on the surface, but to the experiences and patterns beneath it.
Developed by Dr. Richard Pfeiffer and Laura Beth Moss, Psycho-Active Anger Management™ brings together cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, relational awareness, and developmental perspectives.
Rather than focusing only on controlling outward behavior, the approach helps specialists explore the thoughts, experiences, and patterns that shape responses to anger. Although confronting our anger and its origins can be uncomfortable, it offers an opportunity to learn about ourselves, develop new capacities, and integrate parts of ourselves that may have been overlooked or disconnected. In this way, anger can become a pathway toward greater self-awareness and personal growth.
And it all starts with the relationship you create with someone who is struggling with anger. Building that relationship requires awareness, skill, practice, and the right tools.
“All anger starts in relationship. Therefore, all anger is healed in relationship.” — Dr. Rich Pfeiffer
What You'll Learn
GCT's 12-module Anger Management Workbook and Curriculum offers a practical framework for individual and group anger management education. The training combines knowledge, reflection, and skill development to help participants better understand anger and support meaningful change.
Understand Anger
Recognize anger cues, triggers, reactive patterns, and the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Explore the neuroscience of anger and how brain processes influence our capacity to regulate emotional responses during challenging situations.
Build Self-Regulation Skills
Practice mindfulness, relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and strategies for responding rather than reacting. Understand how breathing influences the nervous system and learn practical techniques to support regulation before and during challenging situations.
Strengthen Relationships
Develop communication, assertiveness, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal awareness skills. Explore how relationships influence our responses to anger and how greater awareness can create opportunities for connection and change.
Facilitate Structured Learning
Use workbook exercises, anger logs, reflection, and guided activities with individuals or groups. A structured educational program can help participants gain deeper insight into anger and practice new ways of responding.
Understanding Anger Through a Developmental Lens
Our responses to anger do not develop in isolation. They are shaped by our experiences, relationships, beliefs, and the ways we have learned to understand ourselves and the world around us.
A distinctive feature of Psycho-Active Anger Management™ is exploring how our worldview shapes the way we perceive, interpret, and respond to anger. By understanding these developmental differences, facilitators can better meet individuals where they are and support opportunities for greater awareness, growth, and healthier responses.
The goal is not simply to help someone behave differently in a difficult moment. It is to support the development of new capacities that can influence how they navigate relationships, challenges, and life itself.
The Evidence Behind the Curriculum
GCT's anger management materials have a documented history in evidence-based program discussions. The University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for School Mental Health included Growth Central's anger management workbooks in its 2008 summary of recognized evidence-based programs implemented in expanded school mental health settings. The listing identifies review by NAMA and Columbia Teachers College's mental health outreach program.
A separate academic program-development project at Minnesota State University, Mankato discusses Dr. Pfeiffer's 12-module adult Anger Management Workbook and Curriculum in the context of evidence-based anger management practices, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, relaxation, communication, and structured evaluation.
These documents describe historical recognition and research-informed curriculum development. They are not, by themselves, controlled outcome trials of the current CAMS certification training.
Choose How You Learn
Whether you prefer the interaction of a live classroom or the flexibility of independent study, GCT offers training options designed to support professional learning and skill development.
Live Instruction
Instructor-Led Training
Join a scheduled class on Zoom for guided learning, discussion, and interaction with instructors and fellow participants. The live training is completed over two days.
Flexible Study
Self-Paced Online Training
Work through the web-based curriculum at your own pace and complete the required live supervision component. Participants typically complete the web-based curriculum over approximately one month.
Both formats use the same core Psycho-Active Anger Management™ curriculum. Training format does not determine CAMS-I or CAMS-II eligibility. Check individual product listings for what is included in your purchase.
One Curriculum. Two CAMS Credential Pathways.
Growth Central Training provides the educational foundation for professionals seeking certification through the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). Both CAMS-I and CAMS-II participants complete the same Psycho-Active Anger Management™ training. The credential for which an individual may qualify depends on professional background and NAMA's eligibility requirements.
CAMS-I · Educator
Anger Management Education
For individuals providing anger management education in community, professional, and supportive settings. Applicants may qualify through education, relevant work experience, peer support, or extensive community service.
CAMS-I specialists may facilitate structured education for individuals and groups, including court-referred programs where permitted. The credential does not authorize psychotherapy or clinical counseling.
CAMS-II · Licensed Professional
Anger Management in Clinical Practice
For eligible licensed mental health and substance-use professionals incorporating anger management into their work.
CAMS-II applicants must meet NAMA's applicable licensing and professional liability insurance requirements. Clinical services must remain within the scope of the practitioner's professional license.
Review NAMA's CAMS eligibility and certification requirements
Your Path to CAMS Certification
GCT provides the training and supervision that support your preparation. NAMA independently reviews applications and awards credentials to eligible professionals.
Complete Training
Enroll in a GCT CAMS-I & II training format that fits your schedule.
Meet Supervision Requirements
Complete the supervision required for your NAMA certification application.
Apply to NAMA
Submit the appropriate application and documentation. NAMA reviews eligibility and awards credentials.
See NAMA application process and fee information below.
A Note About NAMA Certification
NAMA application fees are not included in GCT's training tuition. Applications, credential eligibility, membership, and associated fees are managed directly by the National Anger Management Association.
For current fees, application instructions, and certification requirements, please visit NAMA's certification page.
Who Is This Training For?
- Therapists, counselors, and qualifying substance-use professionals
- School counselors, teachers, educators, and youth-serving professionals
- Peer support specialists, case managers, recovery professionals, and community leaders
- Coaches and other professionals working with individuals or groups
- Agencies seeking a structured anger management education curriculum
- Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of anger and their own responses to it
Explore GCT's Anger Management Resources
- CAMS-I & II training: Live Zoom and self-paced options
- Anger Management Workbook and Curriculum: Structured learning materials
- Graduate Resources: Continued learning and professional support for CAMS graduates
- Duplication licenses: Options for organizations reproducing GCT's copyrighted curriculum materials for use in their programs
Browse the available training dates, books, and resources below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS)?
Begin by completing NAMA-authorized anger management training through Growth Central Training. GCT offers CAMS-I and CAMS-II training using the Psycho-Active Anger Management™ curriculum developed by Dr. Richard Pfeiffer and Laura Beth Moss. After completing the required training and supervision, submit your application and supporting documentation to the National Anger Management Association. NAMA reviews your qualifications and determines certification eligibility. Application fees are paid separately to NAMA.
Are CAMS-I and CAMS-II different courses?
No. CAMS-I and CAMS-II participants complete the same Psycho-Active Anger Management™ curriculum. The difference is the professional credential for which you qualify. CAMS-I is designed for eligible anger management educators and community-based professionals, while CAMS-II is intended for qualifying licensed mental health and substance-use professionals. NAMA determines certification eligibility based on professional qualifications.
Can I complete anger management certification training online?
Yes. Growth Central Training offers live, instructor-led training through Zoom and a self-paced web-based training option with required supervision. Both formats use the same core curriculum and provide a pathway toward applying for CAMS-I or CAMS-II certification, depending on your professional qualifications.
How long does anger management certification training take?
The time required depends on the training format you choose. Live CAMS training is completed over two scheduled days, while the web-based option allows participants to progress through the curriculum at their own pace, typically over approximately one month. Certification also requires completion of applicable supervision and NAMA application requirements.
Do I need a professional license to become an anger management specialist?
Not necessarily. CAMS-I is available to eligible applicants with relevant educational backgrounds, professional experience, peer support experience, or substantial community service. CAMS-II requires qualifying professional licensure and professional liability insurance. You do not need a professional license simply to enroll in GCT's training. NAMA determines which credential you qualify for.
What is the difference between anger management certification and a professional license?
Anger management certification is a professional credential recognizing specialized training and qualifications in anger management education or practice. A professional license is issued by a state or other licensing authority and may legally regulate the services a practitioner can provide. CAMS certification does not replace professional licensure or authorize psychotherapy, counseling, or other regulated services outside a practitioner's legal scope of practice.
Does Growth Central Training award the CAMS credential?
No. Growth Central Training provides NAMA-authorized anger management training and supervision. The National Anger Management Association reviews applications and awards CAMS credentials to eligible applicants. NAMA application fees are separate from GCT training tuition. For current requirements, fees, and membership information, visit NAMA.
Can I use the curriculum in court-referred anger management programs?
The Psycho-Active Anger Management™ curriculum can be used in structured anger management education, including court-referred settings where permitted. Acceptance of a particular program or specialist depends on the court, jurisdiction, applicable regulations, and facilitator qualifications. It is always advisable to check with local courts for their requirements. If you wish to reproduce or distribute GCT's copyrighted workbook or curriculum materials for use in your program, a separate Duplication License may be required.
What is Psycho-Active Anger Management™?
Psycho-Active Anger Management™ is an anger management approach developed by Dr. Richard Pfeiffer and Laura Beth Moss. It integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, developmental perspectives, and relational awareness to help individuals understand the thoughts, emotions, experiences, and behavioral patterns associated with anger. A distinctive feature of our approach is exploring how our worldview shapes the way we perceive, interpret, and respond to anger. By understanding these developmental differences, facilitators can better meet individuals where they are and support opportunities for greater awareness, growth, and healthier responses. The structured 12-module curriculum provides practical exercises for anger management education with individuals and groups.
Begin With Understanding. Grow Through Practice.
Whether you're beginning your journey in anger management education or bringing a developmental approach into an established practice, GCT offers the knowledge, structure, and practical tools to support meaningful learning and growth.
Explore the CAMS training and educational resources listed below.
