Breaking the Habit of Self-Harm: Evidence-Based Recovery for Children and Adolescents

• • Analyze the spectrum of self–injurious behaviors in adolescents and children
• • Define five theoretical perspectives on self–injury
• • Compare suicidal, para–suicidal, and non–suicidal self–injury
• • Analyze the efficacy of counseling techniques, commonly prescribed medications, and relapse–prevention strategies
• • Evaluate ethical and HIPAA compliance components of risk management
• • Evaluate applications of an evidence–based four–step assessment and treatment approach

An Integrative Approach to the Rising Challenge of Self–Injury
Whether engaging in cutting, purging, compulsive skin–picking, or another form of self–injury, children and adolescents who deliberately harm themselves are all at risk of becoming emotionally isolated, socially alienated, and suicidal. Feelings of shame and embarrassment can quickly lead to a downward spiral, driving some to console themselves in seclusion, while others develop enabling relationships among self–injuring peers—further intensifying the lethality and suicidal intent of their acts.

Fully equip yourself to face the rising challenge of self–injury with the evidence–based assessment and treatment strategies presented in this interactive seminar. Discuss the reasons for self–harm, its emotionally and socially isolating impact, and the self–fueling dynamics of self–injury subculture. Investigate popular influences behind the rising incidence of self–harm among children and teenagers. Finally, analyze the impact of overlapping psychiatric disorders on treatment, and explore evolving applications of interrelated DSM–5 information concerning self–injury, major depressive disorder, OCD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. If you've ever felt ill–prepared to help these children or experienced periods of burnout as a clinician after an especially difficult case, this course will profoundly impact your practice.