"Based in scientific evidence and pointed case material, and written to enhance the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of the wide variety of individuals with learning challenges, this second edition of a classic hits all the marks. Highly recommended for those interested in research, practice, and professional development related to educational therapy. A tour de force, this book embraces a multi-level approach spanning biology to culture and a developmental approach for professionals and clients. It is both sophisticated and readable."—Stephen P. Hinshaw, Professor of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, and Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA"I highly recommend the second edition of The Clinical Practice of Educational Therapy for professionals pursuing a career in educational therapy, as well as graduate students in the fields of education, psychology, counseling, social work, and art therapy, to name a few. The new edition is greatly informed by the latest advances in brain research, and, most importantly, this resource offers direct implications that such investigations have on the development of state-of-the-art interventions and programs." —Michael E. Spagna, PhD, Dean, Michael D. Eisner College of Education, California State University, Northridge, USA"This second edition of The Clinical Practice of Educational Therapy, edited by Ficksman and Adelizzi, provides insights not only for those considering educational therapy as a career but also for others in the field of education, particularly special education teachers and school administrators. Clearly defining both the concept of educational therapy and the place it holds in the educational model, the text also addresses unique issues such as successful practice management, gender disenfranchisement, and adult learning. The use of case studies makes the material extremely readable and focuses attention on the practical application of the theories presented. The book is a must-read for all interested in the interface between learning and affective development and the role that empathetic relationships play in the interaction of an educational therapist and her client to facilitate learning at any stage of development."—Patricia O. Quinn, MD Developmental Pediatrician, Washington, D.C., USA"Ficksman and Adelizzi pioneered the first scholarly textbook for the field of educational therapy, particularly notable for its use in graduate-level training programs as they emerged in this burgeoning field. Now they have enriched the content with three new chapters: 1) expanding understanding of the collaborative aspects of the field; 2) a novel exploration of character development through the interactions of the treatment alliance; and 3) reporting new research on the efficacy of the graduate training programs at California State University, Northridge. As always, the case studies bring to life the range of clients’ stories and interventions that yielded success. This book is a must-read for the neophytes in the field as well as the veterans who long for more literature about the work we do."—Dorothy Ungerleider, BCET, FAET, Founding President, Association of Educational Therapists, USA"Many years ago, I was told by a colleague who knew the data that fewer than 50% of teachers colleges had coursework in child development. I found this puzzling and even outrageous. How could one teach anyone if one didn't know something about how the learner learns? (And it's not as though United States lacks a tradition of good developmental psychology!) A lack of respect for the learner, an over-focus on "diagnosing," and a lack of imagination for the lived experience of a child who is struggling to acquire skills that other children seem to be acquiring with markedly less effort has for too long been the mindset of our special education system. But—thankfully—in stepped the educational therapists! Learning is not just cognitive; mastery is not just acquisition of a skill. These involve the whole person—shaping the enjoyment of new capacities, the motivation to keep on learning, the developing sense of self, and the view of the future. Educational therapists not only know this: their work is founded on an appreciation of the "whole-child" (person)—supporting and developing thinking, emotions, and regulation in a dynamic dance as children learn throughout their childhoods and beyond. The first edition of The Clinical Practice of Educational Therapy was groundbreaking; the second edition extends the contribution of the first to bring the principles and practice of ET to a greater audience. All special education teachers—not to mention regular education teachers and school principals—should read this book."—Jane Holmes Bernstein, Ph.D., Center for Neuropsychology at Boston Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, USA"People with learning disabilities often experience emotional, adaptive, and social difficulties beyond (or as a consequence of) their specific academic learning impairments. Educational therapy is the professional discipline uniquely designed to address the convergence of these problems. The book portrays, through theory and case study examples, exactly how a dyadic relationship can transform a client’s life for the better. A therapist who uses knowledge of learning disabilities to teach, problem-solve, and advocate and who simultaneously builds client self-esteem, optimism, and autonomy is a uniquely talented professional. This book provides valuable insight into the skills required of a qualified educational therapist and the healing effects of informed therapeutic relationships."—Louisa Moats, Ed.D., Moats Associates Consulting, Inc.
