Overview

When Michael Clark was arrested for domestic violence and his wife moved out, he saw his world falling apart. He knew this was not the person he wanted to be. He was eager to change, but didn't know how. Everything he'd tried in the past to control his behavior had fallen short. Part memoir, part how-to, From Villain to Hero is unique among domestic violence and domestic abuse books. Michael's true story provides readers rare, first-hand insight into a person's journey from being a violent and abusive partner to becoming a safe and emotionally healthy one. Along the way, he reveals the essential principles needed to stop domestic violence and abuse that he discovered on his transformative path toward healing and change. From Villain to Hero is a must read domestic violence book for men and women who are motivated to stop hurting the ones they love. And, if you've ever wondered why a person commits an act of domestic violence, or what it takes to change that behavior, this book boldly and honestly answers those questions by someone who has been there and done that.

Full Product Details

9781087803340

Table of Contents

Reviews

Michael Clark has written the most moving and profoundly informative book on the actual experience of a man abusing his partner that I have ever seen in more than thirty years of doing this work. He says in his introduction that he is not trained in counseling, criminology, or social services and that he's never written a book before--but you would never know it. He writes with just the right blend of heart, smarts, and wisdom and manages to address complex issues in ways that both men who abuse and counselors who treat them can learn from. This book is a gem. -David B. Wexler, Ph.D. Executive Director - Relationship Training Institute, and author of When Good Men Behave Badly and The STOP Domestic Violence Program Although not a professional therapist, Michael Clark has successfully synthesized effective treatment concepts and strategies commonly used by psychotherapists in the treatment of those who have become abusive in their intimate relationships. In doing so and by sharing his own journey, he has offered his readers a real gift. Admittedly defensive and resistant himself, he helps other abusers to get past their defenses in order to experience real change. I highly recommend this book to anyone who truly wants to stop abusing others. -Beverly Engel Author of The Emotionally Abusive Relationship and It Wasn't Your Fault: Freeing Yourself from the Shame of Childhood Abuse with the Power of Compassion Self-help books are hugely popular but a clear gap in the literature is a book for people who use aggression towards their partners. Michael Clark's book is therefore valuable addition to this literature. Aggression towards partners is a common occurrence and not only impacts of the victims but also is a significant adverse childhood experience for children who are exposed. This book therefore is an important step towards enabling men and women who are aggressive to their partners in helping them to understand and change their behaviour. -Nicola Graham-Kevan Ph.D. Professor of Criminal Justice Psychology and Criminal Justice Partnership lead for Violence and Aggression, School of Psychology, University of Central, Lancashire, UK Michael bravely and openly recognises the problems that afflicted him and which afflict many: a readiness to react rather than to reflect, a lack of recognition of his own emotions, and the deep shame and disgust with himself that he feels from abusing a partner that he loves. Three cheers to Michael for allowing us so much insight into ways of making progress. Let us all hope that out of his experiences, anyone wanting to stop their abusive behaviour will not only see that a much better life is possible, but also will find their way it. To take full benefit from Michael's very useful book, read it carefully from beginning to end. - David Eggins Project Developer, Temper Domestic Violence in Northampton, United Kingdom Michael Clark's book From Villain to Hero makes a solid contribution to the domestic violence treatment literature. Although its approach includes a faith-based component that will undoubtedly limit its appeal, it is an otherwise very practical guide for clients and clinicians alike, combining a compelling personal journey with a strong social science research base. -John Hamel, Ph.D., LCSW Editor-in-Chief, Partner Abuse; Director, Association of Domestic Violence Intervention Programs; and author of Family Interventions in Domestic Violence: A Handbook of Gender-Inclusive Theory and Treatment

Author Information

As Michael Clark overcame his issue with domestic violence, he felt called to share what he'd learned with others who were facing the same challenge. He took what he had learned in his career as an entrepreneur and business consultant and founded the Ananias Foundation (ananiasfoundation.org). The Ananias Foundation is a Christian-based non-profit that works to end domestic violence by providing guidance and encouragement to individuals who have been violent with their partner but want to change. Michael lives with his wonderful wife Lynn and their assortment of spoiled pets in West Des Moines, Iowa. Together they enjoy spending time with their friends and family, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and working on home projects.

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