‘The Rules of Engagement’

Using a case study, this article examines the process of engagement within group work with adolescents identified as having anger problems. We look at how the traditional social learning model of anger management can be complemented by ideas from constructive therapies such as solution-focused therapy, in building cooperation with this client group who are often seen as demotivated or ‘hard to engage’. Using the case example, we detail how blocks to group process were created by our assumptions about the boys’ perceptions and understanding of anger, and show how the constructive approaches gave us a way of understanding, which allowed a more cooperative and collaborative way of working.