Self-Injury Behaviour in Youth

- Issues & Strategies (2 days)

Self-injury refers to deliberate, self-inflicted tissue damage, such as cutting or burning. Self-injury has reached alarming proportions amongst our youth, with North American studies indicating adolescent prevalence of between 14 and 18 percent. Helping professionals are therefore increasingly encountering young people who are engaging in self-injury. This workshop will begin with a general overview to assist participants in understanding the experience and motivations of adolescents who intentionally injure themselves. The content will then focus on practical strategies for working with youth struggling with this complex issue. Participants will leave this workshop with increased insight regarding self-injury behaviour in youth and direction for effective interventions.

Workshop Outline

Day 1

Overview of Self-Injury Behaviours
Personal Perspective Exploration
Distinguishing Suicide Attempts from Self-Injury
Causes of Self-Injuring Behaviour
Who Self-Injures
Increased Prevalence of Self-Injury
Reasons for Self-Injury and Common Justifications
Warning Signs
The Cycle of Self-Injury
Problematic Reactions
Initial Therapeutic Response
Assessment

Day 2

Identifying Emotions
Replacement Skills Training
Cognitive Strategies
Parents: How to Help
Speaking with Siblings/Peers about Self-Injury
Managing Setbacks
Self-Injury Contagion
Mental Health Diagnoses Associated with Self-Injury
Self-Injury and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Special Considerations for Schools
Prevention of Self-Injury

Target Audience

This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, counsellors, parents and anyone seeking a better understanding of self-injury and how to respond to it.

Method of Delivery

Lecture, video, case study exercises and small group discussions