Treating Self-Injury

Barent W. Walsh, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, Inc., Worcester, MA, USA

Part I: Definition and Contexts. Definition, Differentiation from Suicide, and Classification. An Overview of Direct and Indirect Self-Harm. Major Groups in Which Self-Injury Occurs. Body Piercing, Tattooing, Branding, Scarification, and Other Forms of Body Modification. Part II: Assessment and Treatment. A Biopsychosocial Model for Self-Injury. Initial Therapeutic Responses. Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment. Contingency Management. Replacement Skills Training. Cognitive Treatment. Body Image Work. Exposure Treatment and Resolution of Trauma. Family Treatment. Harper, Psychopharmacological Treatment. Managing the Reactions of Therapists and Other Caregivers to Self-Injury. Part III: Specialized Topics. Contagion and Self-Injury. A Protocol for Managing Self-Injury in School Settings. Treating Major Self-Injury. Conclusion. Afterword. Appendix A: Breathing Manual. Appendix B: Body Attitudes Scale. Appendix C: Websites Related to Self-Injury. Appendix D: Bill of Rights for People Who Self-Harm.