Helen Lily Webster

I began working in family violence in 1982 in Banff, Alberta, under Dr. Arleigh Porte, a pioneer in anger management programs for abusive men. For thirteen years, I ran Anger Management Group Therapy with men and women struggling to control anger, often affecting their partners, children, and society. One episode of family violence can involve up to 80 people, a statistic from Monica Springer’s thesis at the University of Calgary. I learned to stay calm no matter what was said—especially since men initially resisted me as a woman facilitating the group—but most soon realized my guidance could help them. Women with anger issues integrated easily, while abused women received life skills support, counseling, and sometimes marriage therapy. I conducted these groups as a volunteer while training social workers, who later led their own programs. Each group included a male and female therapist to model respectful interaction, with both of us contributing to every session. My 14-week programs had a high success rate, with very few dropouts, reflecting the impact of structured, compassionate guidance on both men and women struggling with anger and violence.