Geert Bettinger

Moving on by standing still

My friend Geert has written a great book

In 2015 I read on LinkedIn about a book saying that problem behaviour is signal behaviour, I ordered the book, read it and found it incredibly well, fantastic, a book everybody must read.

I Linked with Geert Bettinger the writer of this great book, we had contact and well as they say the rest is history.

The book “Moving on by Standing Still“ makes it very clear that most of the time problem behaviour is signal behaviour. Because for many people different behaviour is their only way to communicate with us.

This book is giving voice to those who can’t speak through physical problems or through a mental barrier.

Short intro 2.20 min.

Ignar meet Geert Bettinger 22 min.

Ignar meets Geert Bettinger

In the summer of 2017 on a sunny day in Holland I interviewed Geert for the launch of the English edition of his Dutch book.

We had a lot of fun that day near the water and when you watch this interview you know why Geert has written his book and also why I am be so very enthusiastic about this book.

Oh and yes, Geert got his lunch which he wanted and which he made known by a little bit of signal behaviour.

What others say about the book

Geert Bettinger speaks to the heart of professional care in nursing homes and elsewhere today. His innovative insight will challenge the reader to a much needed next level of soul filled care – Ingeborg van Zanten Hayes –

I have seldom come across a text where the writer both empathizes with, and uplifts the reader. This is such a text. The regular use of the word ‘we’ touched me to the core. (. . .) I will take this story to heart, even though education is a different line of work than care.

What this book has made clear for me is that its message should have a current value in care, not only for outcomes and solutions, but also for the way (or ‘ways’, I should say) of finding better answers – Juul Willem –

Is it true that people with developmental disabilities cannot communicate effectively?

How can I understand the mindset of a person with dementia? Why is it good that children from difficult backgrounds sometimes hit out?

If we do not make a real effort to understand some of the behaviors of care-dependent clients, we not only miss out on the opportunity to meet the underlying need and truly resolve the issue, but we also might actually cause much greater harm to those for whom we are caring; the hurt of not truly being heard and seen, which leads to deep-seated loneliness.

In this book, Geert takes you by the hand and gently walks you toward a whole new level of thinking and approaching situations, and at the end you will find yourself armed with a wealth of possibilities (as long as you allow your mind to shift and remain receptive).

This book gives a voice to all those who are dependent on others and, in a way, also to ourselves, as one day it might be we who need compassionate care – Nadine Jans –

Geert Bettinger has a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Social Work

Is a trainer and team coach within care and welfare. He teaches employees how to look at ‘problem behavior’ in new ways.

By translating ‘problem behavior’ into Signal Behavior, employees are challenged in a positive way to deal creatively with their own ideas and possibilities.

Geert encourages employees to reflect on their share of care-working situations.

He previously worked as a Care Coordinator and teacher at a school for health and welfare, and has also been self-employed as a worker for victims of sexual abuse, a social worker for the elderly, and a nurse for families with mentally disabled children.