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Working with young people & anger

Author:	Nick Luxmoore
Published By:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers (London)
Pages:	152
Price:	£ 14.99
ISBN:	1 84310 466 0

Reviewed by Martin Hills.

Nick Luxmoore tackles what could be a very difficult and somewhat depressing subject with obvious enthusiasm and a great deal of insight.

At the very beginning, and again at the end of the book, Luxmoore looks at the anger of professionals. Understanding our anger and frustrations, recognising our reactions will enable us to be more effective in our work with young people.

He goes on in the later chapters to explore how anger is used as a defence against a range of issues, including the problems caused by anger that is not expressed, anger that explodes, anger and attachment (the need to attach to someone for safety), anger and disappointment, identity, envy, violence and empathy. In each of these areas we read theory alongside examples of practice.

Any book on this subject has the potential to be ‘stodgy’, full of academic theories and a dull read. This one, however, is packed full of really useful approaches to working with young people who are angry. Luxmoore is obviously drawing on a wealth of experience. His insights and techniques alongside the theory make this a truly engaging read.

It is a book that could be easily read by professional youth workers and volunteers alike and is certainly a book to have on your bookshelf to refer to.

As a professional youth worker, reading this book has given me fresh insight into this whole area of work among young people. It has given me a greater understanding of how I might begin to engage with both young people and my volunteer team who may find themselves struggling with anger issues.