Students Who Drive You Crazy: Succeeding With Resistant, Unmotivated, and Otherwise Difficult Young People

"This is undoubtedly one of the best pieces I have ever read on problem students and I think it will be a "classic" handbook for practitioners in the future. I have discussed portions with colleagues and they all have indicated a desire to purchase such a book ASAP!! I echo those sentiments!"
Rick Heidt, Director of Student Activities
North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders

"An exciting and innovative text for all teachers at every stage of professional development, this book is written in an accessible and captivating style, enabling practitioners to immediately find helpful suggestions and relevant, engaging ideas."
Gerald Monk, Director of School Counseling
Dept. of Counseling and School Psychology
San Diego State University 

All educators face the stress and strain brought on by disruptive and difficult students, parents, and colleagues. By providing a vital model for identifying, managing, avoiding, and rising above conflicted relationships, this how-to survival guide explores the many angles, perspectives, and complexities of this pervasive obstacle.

The book masterfully blends theory and research with tangible examples garnered from the author′s own extensive experience, and in-depth interviews conducted with numerous practicing teachers, counselors, school administrators, and students. Written in a clear, conversational tone, this inspirational handbook offers the tools necessary to combat frustrating, hostile interactions, so you can remain motivated, effectual and successful.

Among the highlights are:

• Compelling examination of the forces that influence student behavior
• Specific strategies for dealing with and preventing difficult relationships, including rules of engagement
• Real-life scenarios to illustrate practical applications
• Tested techniques for overcoming conflicts with parents and colleagues
• Resolving internal personal issues that interfere with effectiveness

Jeffrey A. Kottler is one of the most prolific authors in the fields of counseling, psychotherapy, and education, having written more than 90 books about a wide range of subjects. He has authored a dozen texts for counselors and therapists that are used in universities around the world and a dozen books each for practicing therapists and educators. Some of his most highly regarded works include Creative Breakthroughs in Therapy, The Mummy at the Dining Room Table: Eminent Therapists Reveal Their Most Unusual Cases and What They Teach Us About Human Behavior, Bad Therapy, The Client Who Changed Me, Divine Madness, Change: What Leads to Personal Transformation, Stories We’ve Heard, Stories We’ve Told: Life-Changing Narratives in Therapy and Everyday Life, and Therapy Over 50. He has been an educator for 40 years, having worked as a teacher, counselor, and therapist in preschool, middle school, mental health center, crisis center, nongovernmental organization, university, community college, private practice, and disaster relief settings. He has served as a Fulbright scholar and senior lecturer in Peru and Iceland, as well as worked as a visiting professor in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal. He is professor of counseling at California State University, Fullerton.