About PATTS
What is PATTS …
PATTS is a research-based, trauma informed anger management program that can be provided in a group or individual format. The program was developed in 1989 by Ellen Williams, LCSW, a trauma informed child therapist with over 40 years of experience. The program became a SAMHSA evidence-based program in 2008 and is currently being used by over 70 organizations in the United States, Canada, South Korea, and North Mariana Islands.
The primary goal of the PATTS program is to increase participants positive social skills that will enable them to resolve conflicts in a nonviolent manner.
The curriculum for 3-5th grades and middle/high school is based upon the key steps in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy realizing that many participants referred to the PATTS intervention program have experienced life events that are contributing to their behavioral problems.
The K-2nd grade program focuses on helping the children develop prosocial skills that are referred to as “caring language and behavior”.
PATTS Research
Date of Review: March 2008
Peaceful Alternatives to Tough Situations (PATTS) is a school-based aggression management program designed to help students increase positive conflict resolution skills, increase the ability to forgive transgressions, and reduce aggressive behavior. PATTS features three separate curricula (for kindergarten through grade 2, grades 3 through 5, and middle and high school), each of which is delivered in nine weekly, 1-hour sessions. The program teaches cognitive skills, peer refusal skills, appropriate conflict resolution skills, identification and verbalization of emotions, recognition of anger cues, calming techniques, and forgiveness. Sessions are highly interactive and use group discussion, role-playing, games, and skills review. In addition, parents and teachers receive training informing them about the skills taught to students and encouraging them to support the use of the skills at home and in the classroom. PATTS is designed to be delivered by teachers, guidance counselors, and graduate or undergraduate mental health counselors.