This very readable and pragmatic book for helping children restore their self-esteem and trust in relationships and is a welcome alternative to the use of psychiatric medications for emotional disturbances in children. Dr. Ketterer makes accessible the concepts and skills in this book and he demonstrates precisely how these improve and even save children’s lives. This book is an invaluable guide to reaching and helping the apparently unreachable child who simply wants to be seen and known as a valid human being by a trustworthy adult who is truly paying attention.
Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD; author, The Self-Esteem Trap and Love Between Equals
This book really is a marvelous translation of clinical psychology into useful, meaningful, and practical tools for educators and others in their work with kids. Dr. Ketterer captures beautifully the essence of the theory without being pedantic or talking down to non-therapists, and I suspect his descriptions and suggested activities probably empower them in their work with kids. Dr. Ketterer has really achieved a major milestone.
Richard Geist, EdD, Harvard Medical School
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. Ketterer for the past six years. As a building principal I have witnessed him work with students, families, and teachers with great success. His methods and approach through relationship building has guided my practice and proven to be successful in many schools. This text, which was Dr. Ketterer’s first edition many years ago served as a model for our staff to use as a tier one approach that benefits all students. It is my hope to bring Dr. Ketterer’s most recent edition to my new district as the Superintendent of Rivendell Interstate School District.
Barrett Williams, superintendent, Rivendell Interstate School District
An Evidence-Based Approach to Reducing Anger and Violence in Schools provides a framework for understanding the social, emotional needs of students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. It teaches teachers how to empathetically reach traumatized students and develop the positive relationships that all children need. When students develop a positive relationship with their teacher and genuinely feel a sense of belonging, then all schools become safer.
Deborah Matthews, special education director, White River Valley Supervisory Union
William Ketterer has developed an important and timely manual to help with the prevention of anger, violence and isolation in our schools. Teaching the relational ingredients needed to build healthy self-esteem, William provides a valuable framework for adults to help kids feel less angry. Clearly written with effective learning activities and illustrative examples, his Healing the Self model is an essential resource for teachers, therapists and school counselors. I highly recommend this manual for anyone working with children.
Anna Stothart, PsyD
