Self-Harm 2.0: The Assessment and Treatment of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Summary

An explosion of research on self-harm in the last two decades has clarified understanding of this behavior and led to advances in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. This course covers foundational information needed by mental health professionals to screen, assess and treat clients who engage in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). Special consideration and attention are given to the relationship between NSSI and suicidal behavior to provide insight and understanding that is critical to appropriate care and suicide risk management. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will… 

1. Review the definition, patient characteristics, assessment, and functions of non-suicidal self-injury 
2. Examine best practices for treatment for licensed mental health professionals working with clients diagnosed with non-suicidal self-injury 
3. Assess the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and suicide.

Lesson Titles and Description 

NSSI 101: Self-injury: Assessment and Function 

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.  

The issue of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury has migrated to the forefront of psychological issues that are presented in psychotherapy. This lesson will review different forms of self-harm and offer a helpful way in which clinicians can assess for these behaviors. It will explore the varied reasons and functions for Self-Injury, and it will discuss the immediate and long-term effects both intrapersonally and interpersonally of such behaviors. 

NSSI 102: Self-injury: Treatment Protocols and Intervention 

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D. 

Understanding and treating individuals who struggle with Self-Injury confounds many clinicians. This lesson will review the basics of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the skills that are useful in treating Self-Injury. In addition, it will introduce a self-state model that enables self-compassion for individuals harming themselves. Finally, it will incorporate common issues that surface within a family where an individual engages in Self-Injury. 

NSSI 103: The Complex Relationship Between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide 

 Shannae Anderson, Ph.D., and Jennifer Ellers, M.A. 

It was previously believed that Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide attempts were both on the same continuum of Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB). It is now understood that they are distinct with many differences in terms of motivation and intervention and most people who engage in NSSI are not actively suicidal. However, research clearly shows a strong relationship between NSSI and suicide attempts. It is important for mental health professionals to understand the interaction and learn how to screen for NSSI and suicidal ideation and explore research on how these forms of SIB relate. 

Presenters 

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years in practice. Dr. Anderson is currently an Adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary where she teaches Pastoral Care and Addictions in the Recovery Ministry Program. She previously taught in the Master of Psychology program at California Lutheran University, and in the UCLA Extension Drug and Alcohol Certification Program. Dr. Anderson also studied for many years under Dr. Dan Siegel, the founder of Interpersonal Neurobiology. She is an Interpersonal Neurobiology trained teacher and founder of the Global Association of Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS). In addition, she is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

Jennifer Ellers, M.A., is a Christian counselor, professional life coach, crisis responder, trainer and author. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and a master's degree in counseling from Wake Forest University.  She is an approved instructor and faculty with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and co-author of several CISM courses, including “Understanding Suicide: Effective Tools for Prevention, Intervention and Survivor Support”. She is Director of Advancement, Special Projects and Church Engagement for the American Association of Christian Counselors. 

Continuing Education  

3.00 CE Credits available for LPC, LMFT, LSW.  

3.00 CE Credits available for IBCC Credential Holders.  

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/.