Self-injury in trauma survivors: 2. levels of clinical response

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1996 Apr;66(2):207-16. doi: 10.1037/h0080172.

Abstract

Responding effectively to trauma survivors who engage in self-injury can be challenging, even for experienced therapists. This paper outlines therapeutic goals and appropriate clinical responses, including remaining present at and open to communication about disclosures of self-injury, helping clients to intervene in their own process of self-injury, and working with clients to resolve underlying issues. Alternatives to self-injury are discussed and cautions are offered about common therapeutic responses likely to be particularly unhelpful.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Countertransference
  • Helplessness, Learned
  • Humans
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Psychotherapy
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / complications*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / complications*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*