C6

Self-Injury: Understanding and Helping Maltreated Youth Who Cut or Burn Themselves

Presenter:  Lisa Boesky

Abstract Category: Trauma Therapy

Instruction Level: All

Presentation: Click Here

Description:

Learn why many abused youth engage in self-injury, how “cutting” and “burning” differ from suicide, how to screen for self-injury, helpful “strategies” to use with self-injuring youth, and effective treatment models.

Abstract: 

Increasing numbers of physically or sexually abused youth are cutting or burning themselves to feel better. Self-injury is often confused with “suicide”--though these behaviors are very different. Despite wanting to do the right thing, professionals can inadvertently escalate self-injurious behavior among abused youth if never shown effective ways to support them. This workshop explains the reasons many abused youth engage in self-injury and how “cutting” and “burning” differ from suicide. Participants learn to screen for self-injury, practical and effective “strategies” to use when interacting with these young people, and effective models for treating youth who engage in this harmful behavior. High-energy, practical format with video clips, case examples, and audience participation.