Supporting Clients Who Self-Injure: A Person-Centered Approach

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Abstract

Over the last 10–20 years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of research on nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Yet it remains misunderstood, highly stigmatized, and one of the more puzzling behaviors that present in the context of health service. In this article, we aim to help clinicians to better understand and address NSSI in their clinical practice. In reference to a clinical vignette, we provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding NSSI, outline a new person-centered framework of NSSI recovery, touch on key ethical and clinical considerations regarding NSSI, and provide concrete tips for working with clients who self-injure within the person-centered framework. We also offer suggested language that can be used to support clients who self-injure, in a non-judgmental and supportive way.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
  2. List key clinical and ethical considerations regarding NSSI
  3. Describe tips for working with clients who self-injure

Disclosures: No conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used in the development or content.

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CE Disclaimers

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The National Register maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0010

Lewis et al.

Stephen P. Lewis, PhD (he/him), is a Professor of Psychology and Research Leadership Chair at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on self-injury with emphasis on people’s lived experience, fostering recovery, and combatting stigma.

Penelope A. Hasking, PhD, (she/her), is a Professor of Psychology at Curtin University. Her primary areas of interest are in non-suicidal self-injury, with a particular focus on the experience of self-injury. 

Holly P. Boyne, MA, (she/her), is a PhD Candidate at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Holly is interested in the understanding, prevention, and intervention of non-suicidal self-injury and suicidality. 

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