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Self Injury
It is distressing and disturbing to consider a human being inflicting harm on themselves, sometimes to the extent of requiring hospitalisation. Research shows that young people self harm for a variety of reasons including feelings of helplessness and lack of control. For many, it is seen as coping strategy. A number of therapeutic approaches are used in working with adolescents including behavioural, cognitive behavioural and psychotherapeutic methods. In our view people need to feel safe and secure and opportunities are required for individuals to communicate how they feel about their life.
The term Self injurious behaviours (SIB) tends to be used more for people with learning disabilities. Head-banging and hand biting can occur at rather high frequency and their management can involve very restrictive interventions including mechanical restraints and protective headgear. These individuals often have communication problems usually in the form of poor expressive language. Teaching people alternative communication strategies can have positive results. People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders who present with SIB do have associated problems in processing sensory information. Hypersensitivity to sound and in some cases physical contact can be problematic.
Please have a look at the Studio III position statement for self injurious behaviour
Our approaches to these difficulties are holistic and person centred. We use detailed functional assessment procedures which help to determine the causes of self injury, targeting the individual’s distress rather than just the problems they present with. Interventions usually involve providing sensory alternatives.
Studio III offer a range of customised services aimed at helping individuals who self harm or who display self injurious behaviour, their parents and carers.
- Assessments for individuals affected (behavioural, cognitive, psychotherapeutic)
- Advice and recommendations for behavioural intervention programmes
- Help, advice and support for coping with behavioural challenges
- Sensory assessments
- Functional analysis of behaviour
- Support and recommendations for external support services
- Implementation and design of appropriate communication systems
Please click here to read a case study of the work Studio III does in the area of self injury
Contact us on 01225-334111 to arrange a confidential discussion with one of our specialists or use our contact us page
The following websites may be of interest and help to individuals who Self Harm or who exhibit Self Injurious Behaviour, their families, carers and professionals.
RYL (Recover Your Life)
www.recoveryourlife.com
RYL is a Self Harm Support Community aimed at providing information and advice to those
seeking to recover from Self Harm.
National Childrens Bureau
www.selfharm.org.uk
A key information resource for young people who self harm, their friends and families and professionals working with them.
Life Signs
www.selfharm.org
Guidance and support network. A UK based voluntary organisation with information and support.
Mind
www.mind.org.uk
Understanding Self Harm e-booklet
National Self Harm Network
www.nshn.co.uk
Survivor led charitable organisation offering support to people who self harm, family and friends.
Girls Xpress
www.myspace.com/girlsxpress
A self help and support group for young women Self Injurers aged between 13 and 19. Support
through group sessions,TXT, Myspace and MSN Messenger, Crisis programme and creative workshops.
Lisa is a 15 year old young woman recently placed in a Children’s Home in Wales, due to abuse that occurred in her mother’s home. The care staff became aware shortly after her arrival that she was cutting the skin on her arms and legs with broken glass and CDs, and swallowing non-food items including batteries and shampoo. As self harm was an issue the care team had not previously worked with, they requested input from Studio III Clinical Services.
In the first instance, a psychology assessment was completed on the young woman. This included sessions with Lisa, exploring a range of relevant issues, including, when her self harm first began, the different ways she used to self harm, traumatic life experiences and triggers to these behaviours. Review of relevant documentation, as well as interviews with staff and some members of the family, was also incorporated. The triggers identified included perceived rejections from others, contact with her family, and intrusive memories from her past abuse.
Studio III provided the staff team with training regarding the effects of trauma and on self injury. Then, together, a behavioural support plan was developed to assist staff in delivering a consistent working approach to supporting Lisa and a plan to respond safely and effectively to incidents of self injury. The plan included both proactive and reactive strategies with the aim of reducing the frequency and/or severity of incidents of self injury. The plan was reviewed and updated regularly with the staff team.
Lisa was provided weekly individual therapy on-site with a Studio III psychologist. Although initially reluctant to participate, she began working with the therapist to identify strategies to deal her flashbacks and manage periods of intense emotions. Lisa found Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) interventions helpful in this process.
