M. L. Bankert worked as a counselor in both public and alternative schools for adolescents unable to function in traditional settings. Cases ran the gamut from failing grades to horrific abuse. Client concerns were equally diverse at mental health agencies where she was employed. Therefore, the author was surprised to realize that a common core seemed responsible for most difficulties. To further check, she reviewed numerous cases and obtained overwhelming confirmation. Next, she searched professional material for further elaboration. After finding nothing covered from the same overall perspective, she decided to write this book. The author lives with her husband in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is actively involved with their family and community.