Conceptual And Theoretical Understanding Of Self-Harm
Overview

• Myths about Self-Harm – “Freak Discourse”
• Prevalence of Self-Harm: Statistics
• DSM 5 and other definitions including Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH)
• The relationship between non-suicidal and suicidal behaviours
• Etiology of self-harm and common co-morbidities – abuse, depression, anxiety, bullying, social rejection, trauma and other psychiatric disorders including personality psychopathology and attachment disorders
• Pathways into Self-Harm – additional factors that can increase risk– social media and online communication, blended families

Additional Considerations

• Adolescence And The ‘Teenage Brain’ – impulsivity and sensation seeking
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Special Populations – Autism Spectrum Disorders; Gender Variance, pre-puberty children
• Impact on Peers and Professionals

SECTION 2: ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION

Assessment

• Identifying signs of Self Harm
• Talking with Children And Young people (CYP) about Self-Harm
• “If the cuts could talk …..”
• The psychodynamics of self-harm
• The power of secrets
• ‘Cancel Culture’
• The Inventory Of Statements About Self-Harm (ISAS) – screening and assessment – the work of Klonsky and Glenn.
• The Self-Harm Risk Assessment For Children (SHRAC) – pioneered by Anne Angelkovska

Intervention

• Pathways out of Self-Harm
• Referrals, crisis intervention and confidentiality
• Targeted Therapies: Acceptance And Commitment Therapy© (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Medication
• Check in and Support

Support And Resources

• Smart phone Apps for adolescents
• Guidelines for schools