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

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.