Self-harm often arises at moments of despair or emotional intensity, and its reasons are not necessarily available to the conscious mind. Managing Self-Harm explores the meaning and impact of self-harm, and the sense in which it is a language of the body. It is designed to help clinicians, people who self-harm and their families and carers to understand its causes, meaning and treatment. Each chapter integrates theory with clinical illustration, enabling the direct experiences of those who self-harm to be heard and reflecting the populations that are most likely to self-harm. The contributors are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, including clinical psychology, psychotherapy, group analysis and psychiatric nursing. Areas of discussion include: self-harm and young people in foster care and residential settings self-harm in women’s secure services self-harm in people diagnosed with personality disorder This book does not offer a prescription for self-harm cessation but rather describes therapeutic approaches to working with self-harm, and outlines the complex, subtle and meaningful interactions between those who engage in self-harm and those who seek to understand it. With a specialist interest in women’s self-harm, Managing Self-Harm will be essential reading for all mental health professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and social workers.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a baffling, troubling, and hard to treat phenomenon that has increased markedly in recent years. Key issues in diagnosing and treating NSSI adequately include differentiating it from attempted suicide and other mental disorders, as well as understanding the motivations for self-injury and the context in which it occurs. This accessible and practical book provides therapists and students with a clear understanding of these key issues, as well as of suitable assessment techniques. It then goes on to delineate research-informed treatment approaches for NSSI, with an emphasis on functional assessment, emotion regulation, and problem solving, including motivational interviewing, interpersonal skills, CBT, DBT, behavioral management strategies, delay behaviors, exercise, family therapy, risk management, and medication, as well as how to successfully combine methods.

Self-injury can be as addictive as any drug, and the secrecy and shame many sufferers feel about this behavior can keep them feeling trapped. But if you're ready to replace self-harm with a set of healthy coping skills, this compassionate and practical book can help. This complete guide to stopping self-injury gives you the facts about self-harm, corrects common myths about this behavior, and provides self-soothing techniques you can begin using right away for regulating difficult or overwhelming emotions. Freedom from Self-Harm also includes self-assessment worksheets, guidance for seeking professional help, and information about the most effective therapies and medications. Drawn from treatments such as dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, the tools in this book can help you cope with your emotions whenever you feel the urge to self-harm. This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.

Self-harm is increasingly prevalent in our society. But few of us understand why, or know what to do to help ourselves, friends or family in such situations. It can be very isolating. Understanding and Responding to Self-Harm aims to fill this gap, providing practical information and advice for anyone who has an experience of self-harm. Showing the various forms self-harm can take, this book explores the reasons behind it, and offers advice on self-management, support to others, and what services are available. Full of clear, thoughtful advice for those who may be thinking of harming themselves, or have already done so, as well as guidance for families and friends on helpful strategies and responses - and ones to avoid - it uses evidence from research and direct experience to provide an essential resource.

The first book on self-harm written for parents by parents. Are you concerned that your child may be self-harming? Are you wondering what to do for the best? Do you need more information and help? If so, this is the book for you. An ever-increasing number of young people are turning to self-harm in order to cope with the pressures of modern living, and this poses a huge problem for parents and others who care for them. This book provides the answers you need to questions such as: - How do I know for sure whether my child is self-harming? - How should I approach my child? - What help and treatment is available to us? - What can I do to help my child? - How have other parents coped? Full of the real-life experiences of other parents who have been there, this is a practical book that will both inform and equip you to help your child and yourself through this difficult time.

"Parents who discover a teen's self-injurious behavior are gripped by uncertainty and flooded with questions - Why is my child doing this? Is this a suicide attempt? What did I do wrong? What can I do to stop it? And yet basic educational resources for parents with self-injuring children are sorely lacking. Healing after Self-Injury provides desperately-needed guidance to parents and others who love a young person struggling with self-injury"--

Self-harm in adolescents is a growing problem which has been poorly de-fined, clinically neglected and insufficiently researched. This volume synthesizes the available research on adolescent self-harm and presents the reader with the best available evidence on self-harm treatment. It is aimed at those who treat, research and teach about self-harm.

Designed for individuals concerned about their workout habits, personal trainers, family and friends of folks with a problem, as well as working mental health professionals treating exercise addicts, The Truth About Exercise Addiction provides an easy-to-read, illuminating glimpse into the rising trend of over-exercise. Delving into the history of exercise addiction and the growing influence of “thinspiration,” Katherine Schreiber and Heather A. Hausenblasillustrate the symptoms and dangers of obsessive exercise with true stories from sufferers, all while exploring why and how such a seemingly healthy behavior morphs into a dangerous means of self-destruction. Analyzing the causes and consequences of excessive physical activity alongside the influence of genetics, culture, and personality, this book allows readers to gain a greater understanding of what exercise addiction looks and feels like. The Truth About Exercise Addiction also provides an unprecedented list of resources to address exercise addiction, a snapshot of treatments currently available for sufferers, and to top it off: guidelines on how to confront and care for someone who may have a problem.

'Sophia's experience, and SANE's valuable support, will reassure you that you are not alone and give you the tools to fight back' - Rory Bremner Whatever you are struggling with right now - whether it be an illness, loss of a loved one, the demise of a relationship, or perhaps even a depression that has no clear reason; this is the book that you will want to keep coming back to. 101 Distractions from Depression, Self-harm (and other Soul-destroyers) is a non-conventional self-help book designed to offer friendly, important advice during those moments when it is impossible to see through that oppressive fog of depression. Sophia spent over ten years battling depression and an addiction to self-harm, and understands that much of her recovery was due to making these very simple changes. In those tiny moments where she distracted herself from mental illness – be it by digging up weeds, walking through the park, or taking a bath; depression took a back seat and loosened its grip ever so slightly. The difficulty was always in finding the inspiration to make a start, and this is where the idea for 101 Distractions came from. Each and every distraction has been tried and tested and have all helped her become the confident, depression-free person she is today. This book is designed to help you make that change too. Each of the 101 short, easily digested chapters offers new ideas to help you distract yourself from the negative thoughts, giving you enough breathing space to build the tools to fight them. This in turn helps you to understand that the negativity consuming you is not as permanent as it feels. Combining simple, often overlooked ideas with the all-important chance to understand exactly how each distraction has helped the author, think of this book as your springboard to recovery. The snippets of Sophia's life in each page could be just what you need to feel as though you aren't alone, or it could be the insight you are after in order to understand how to help yourself or someone close to you. 'Unlike so many self help books where the premise is that you trade in your old self for a new self, in 101 Distractions, Sophia suggests you stay with who you are and how you are feeling but seek a practical solution that will help transport you to a different 'headspace'. For example, by reaching out and connecting to other people, interests or activities she shows you can move away from a familiar but unhelpful habit of mind to a more positive outlook.' - Marjorie Wallace CBE, Chief Executive of SANE (Foreword) Just when you thought that all hope was lost, 101 Distractions is here to scrape you off the floor and help you reclaim life. For every copy of this book sold, 50% of all profits will be donated to SANE – who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.

Meet Asher - a teenager who self-harms to manage their feelings when it all feels like too much. The latest in the best-selling Can I Tell You About... series describes what self-harm is, along with the wide range of behaviours that qualify, why teens do it, and how to get help if you feel the need to self-harm. Reflecting on the different aspects of self-harming behaviour, including treatment of injuries and scars, this concise introduction dispels common myths and offers helpful resources to break the cycle of self-harm. By initiating the conversation around self-harm, this guide will offer alternative avenues for children and young adults to pursue when dealing with big feelings, such as professional counselling, distraction, and friends and family. This easy-to-read guide is suitable for readers 7+, along with their parents, teachers, and friends. All author royalties from the book will go towards the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.