Beyond Fear and Control: Working with Young People Who Self Harm - Softcover

Helen Spandler And Sam Warner (eds)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 189805987X ISBN 13: 9781898059875

Publisher: PCCS Books Ltd, 2007

Synopsis

As the title Beyond Fear and Control suggests, this book aims to move services away from responses based on fear and assumptions that we need to manage and control young people who self harm. It discusses ways in which services can change the focus from managing or 'stopping' self harm to working with young people in more permissive, young person centred and empowering ways. Although the need for such a change is increasingly being recognised, the practical implications and ethical dilemmas of this shift have rarely been explored. This book addresses this gap by providing in-depth descriptions of a range of innovative practices which are effective in supporting young people who self harm.

About this title

Review

The contributions made within this book offer some thought-provoking recommendations on how to support young people who self-harm, recognising the positive strategies required in this often distressing and uncomfortable area of work. The book, arguably, will leave readers, staff across children's services and services users, with renewed optimism. Well done to all those who contributed to its publication --Jude Sellen, Mental Health Today, November 2007

I found it bursting with openness, honesty and integrity from the start. I know I will use this book for inspiration and support time and time again. I respect and admire the value base from which it works. --Sarah Smith, Barnardo's, Young People Now June 2007

Synopsis

"Beyond Fear and Control" discusses ways in which services can change the focus from managing or 'stopping' self harm to working with young people in more permissive, 'young person centred' and empowering ways. Although the need for such a change is increasingly being recognised, the practical implications and ethical dilemmas of this shift have rarely been explored. This book addresses this gap by providing in-depth descriptions of a range of innovative practices which are effective in supporting young people who self harm. People harm themselves in many ways and for many different reasons. Whilst we recognise that there is a complex relationship between self harm and suicide, this book is about supporting young people who use self harm primarily as a way of coping with distress. In this context self harm can be viewed as - the expression of, and temporary relief from overwhelming, unbearable and often conflicting emotions, thoughts or memories, through a self injurious act which they can control and regulate. Undoubtedly young people who self harm arouse strong emotional reactions in most people including fear, helplessness, confusion and anger.

Responses are often based on a need to try and protect or rescue young people from danger. However, our heightened emotional response, coupled with myths and misunderstandings about both young people and self harm, can lead us to respond in ways that, rather than being empowering and helpful, can be felt as controlling and harmful.

Edition details

• Publisher: PCCS Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 189805987X
• ISBN 13: 9781898059875
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 196
• Editor: Helen Spandler, Sam Warner