Welcome to the Open Sky Webinar

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 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

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-TraumaticStress/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.

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 kirsten@openskywilderness.com