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Welcome to the Open Sky Webinar We will begin at 6 pm. See you shortly! Slide 2 SELF-INJURY: Understanding Why Kids Harm Themselves Kirsten Bolt, MEd, LMFT Open Sky Clinical Therapist Kirsten Bolt, MEd, LMFT Open Sky Clinical Therapist Slide 3 Todays 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? 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? Slide 4 WHAT is Self-Injury? Slide 5 I didnt cut my wrists because I wanted to die. I cut because I wanted to live. Slide 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 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 Slide 7 Slide 8 WHAT is Self-Injury? Non-Suicidal Self-Injury : Cutting Burning Carving words/symbols Scratching Hair-pulling Biting to bleed 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 modificationIF done to moderate emotion Slide 9 WHO Self-Injures? Slide 10 Slide 11 Slide 12 Slide 13 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 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 Slide 14 WHY do People Self-Injure? Slide 15 Like any coping mechanism, BECAUSE IT WORKS. Three primary reasons: Decrease overwhelming emotions Help FEEL emotions Communicate distress Like any coping mechanism, BECAUSE IT WORKS. Three primary reasons: Decrease overwhelming emotions Help FEEL emotions Communicate distress Slide 16 WHY Do People Self-Injure? Underlying Issues: Abuse / Neglect Depression Bipolar Anxiety Obsessions/ Compulsions Personality Disorders Underlying Issues: Abuse / Neglect Depression Bipolar Anxiety Obsessions/ Compulsions Personality Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress/Trauma Eating Disorders Dissociation Impulse-Control Issues Homelessness Slide 17 HOW Do We Work with Self- Injury at Open Sky? Slide 18 Thorough Re/Assessment Therapeutic Interventions: Behavioral Regulation Emotional Regulation Communication Skills Accountability Focus on the emotions, NOT the behavior Explore counterproductive nature of SI 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 Slide 19 HOW Can Parents Help Their Kids? Slide 20 HOW Can Parents Help? STAY CALM - monitor your reaction Take it seriously (whether overt or covert) Dont mistake SI for suicidal intent, but consider that Focus on the underlying emotions, NOT the behavior Dont 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 STAY CALM - monitor your reaction Take it seriously (whether overt or covert) Dont mistake SI for suicidal intent, but consider that Focus on the underlying emotions, NOT the behavior Dont 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 Slide 21 CAN People Stop Self-Injuring ? Slide 22 YES, Absolutely. Slide 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 todays webinar. With further questions, please contact: Kirsten Bolt, LMFT kirsten@openskywilderness.com Please keep this browser window open. When the presentation is complete, it will take you to a short survey for todays webinar. With further questions, please contact: Kirsten Bolt, LMFT kirsten@openskywilderness.com