Building a Deeper Understanding of Self-Harm

Did you know that self-harm impacts 14% to 39% of youth? In this advanced course clinicians will grow their understanding of effective interventions for youth who self-harm. Self harm is usually the result of an inability to cope in healthy ways with psychological pain. Youth may be struggling with feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, shame, rejection, and self-worth. The reasons for self-harm are complex, but some youth self-harm with the following intentions:

• Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety
• Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain
• Feel a sense of control over one’s body
• To feel something, even if it’s physical pain, when feeling emotionally empty or numb
• Express internal feelings in an external way
• Communicate depression or distressing feelings to others
• Be punished for perceived failings

Youth struggle with self harm because they haven’t had an opportunity to development some foundational skills. This session will support clinicians in identifying and delivering evidence-based treatments for self-harm.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify factors that increase vulnerability to self harm.
• Understand and identify expressions of self harm and its drivers
• Address the difference between self harm and suicide risk and understand the mechanisms in which self-harm can increase suicide risk
• Understand and anticipate the complications of ongoing self-harm behaviours
• Understand evidence-based interventions that address self-harm and it’s root cause