1. Welcome to the Open Sky Webinar
We will begin at 6 pm. See you shortly!

2. SELF-INJURY: Understanding Why Kids Harm Themselves
Kirsten Bolt, MEd, LMFT
Open Sky Clinical Therapist

3. Today’s Presentation:
WHAT is self-injury?
WHO self-injures?
WHY do people self-injure?
HOW do we work with SI at Open Sky?
HOW can parents help their kids?
CAN people stop self-injuring?

4. WHAT is Self-Injury?

5. “I didn’t cut my wrists because I wanted to die…
“I didn’t cut my wrists because I wanted to die…. I cut because I wanted to live.”

6. WHAT is Self-Injury? Common Myths… SELF-INJURY DOES NOT EQUAL SUICIDE
Not the same as Body Modification
Does not occur only in teenage girls
“Crazy” / “Freak”
“Manipulative”
“Attention-Seeking” vs. Attention-Needing
Severity of SI does not necessarily indicate severity of emotional pain
Self-Injury IS treatable
Graphic warning for next slide

7. Two reasons:
Desensitize yourself - so your response does not increase child’s shame, or feed the behavior
Check your response … If cringe, it’s because this hurts. Dispel the manipulation myth. Plus realize depth of emotional pain
What other forms of SI….

8. WHAT is Self-Injury? Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Cutting
Burning
Carving words/symbols
Scratching
Hair-pulling
Biting to bleed
Intentionally harming body tissue, without suicidal intent, in a manner that is not socially sanctioned
Preventing wounds from healing
Hitting to bruise or otherwise damage
Tattooing/piercing/body modification—IF done to moderate emotion

9. WHO Self-Injures?

10. WHO Self-Injures?

11. WHO Self-Injures?

12. WHO Self-Injures?

13. WHO Self-Injures?
Approximately 1% of population (~2 or 3 million Americans)
Across gender, nationality, socioeconomic status, age, ability-level, sexual orientation, etc.
High incidence in adolescents, but occurs (or can begin) in children, adults, and the elderly
Tends to be more visible in females, but appears to be about an equal ratio for males – higher risk methods in males
Increasing incidence
No longer only among clinical population: found among general population
High number of abuse survivors use SI for coping
May be genetic predisposition to depression, anxiety, or other disorders that makes SI a desirable coping strategy
Animals: particularly those in isolation without other contact

14. WHY do People Self-Injure?

15. WHY do People Self-Injure?
Like any coping mechanism,
BECAUSE IT WORKS.
Three primary reasons:
Decrease overwhelming emotions
Help FEEL emotions
Communicate distress

16. WHY Do People Self-Injure?
Underlying Issues:
Abuse / Neglect
Depression
Bipolar
Anxiety
Obsessions/ Compulsions
Personality Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress/Trauma
Eating Disorders
Dissociation
Impulse-Control Issues
Homelessness

17. HOW Do We Work with Self-Injury at Open Sky?

18. HOW Do We Work with Self-Injury at Open Sky?
Thorough Re/Assessment
Therapeutic Interventions:
Behavioral Regulation
Emotional Regulation
Communication Skills
Accountability
Focus on the emotions, NOT the behavior
Explore counterproductive nature of SI
Compassion and Empathy
Understanding, without judgment
Medical Treatment, as needed
Peer Support
Safety Watches, as needed
Medical Checks, as needed

19. HOW Can Parents Help Their Kids?

20. HOW Can Parents Help? STAY CALM - monitor your reaction
Take it seriously (whether overt or covert)
Don’t mistake SI for suicidal intent, but consider that
Focus on the underlying emotions, NOT the behavior
Don’t ignore it
Ask to see injuries and advocate for proper treatment
Take away obvious implements
Have your child work with a therapist
Do your own emotion regulation work
Avoid shaming your child
Be mindful of websites and media that promote SI
Stay compassionate and be patient

21. CAN People Stop Self-Injuring?

22. CAN People Stop Self-Injuring?
YES, Absolutely.
It just takes time and support.

23. Thank you for participating!
Please keep this browser window open. When the presentation is complete, it will take you to a short survey for today’s webinar.
With further questions, please contact:
Kirsten Bolt, LMFT