Self-harm is a significant issue for adolescents and young adults, and most do not seek help due to stigmatization, fear of the loss of privacy if the practitioner reports them, and fear of being considered attention-seeking. Trauma and shame are associated with self-harm and complicate young people’s ability to seek help. This training will examine how to assess self-harming behavior and provide interventions that have been proven to be effective. Additionally, we will examine the link between shame and trauma and how that increases the likelihood of self-harm. We will discuss cognitive and other types of therapeutic strategies to decrease shame.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify and assess the signs of self-harm and its level of risk in adolescents and young adults.
- Analyze the relationship between trauma, self-harm, and shame and how that might influence behavior.
- Compare treatment protocols that are useful in treating self-harm, shame, and trauma.
- Recognize the role of adolescent and young adult development when considering shame and self-harm and how that might impact the therapeutic relationship.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Identifying and Assessing Self-Harm
- Define self-harm and distinguish between non-suicidal (NSSI) and suicidal (SSI) behaviors
- Explore the Benefits and Barriers Model of self-injury
- Examine emotional regulation and impulsivity as drivers of self-harm
- Understand interpersonal influence, punishment, and sensation-seeking motivations
- Review psychiatric, environmental, and trauma-related risk factors for self-harm
- Highlight protective factors including social support and strong coping skills
- Introduce key self-injury assessment tools and functional analysis approaches
Objective #2: Trauma, Shame, and Their Interplay with Self-Harm
- Differentiate shame from guilt and explain their psychological impacts
- Analyze the relationship between high shame states and self-injurious behavior
- Understand the link between trauma, shame, rage, and dissociation
- Introduce the Integrated Motivational/Volitional Model of self-harm behavior
- Explore the role of anger suppression and derealization in trauma responses
Objective #3: Intervention Strategies for Treating Self-Harm and Shame
- Introduce Compassion-Based Therapy for trauma-related shame
- Review self-compassion interventions for decreasing internalized threat
- Present a person-centered approach to self-injury recovery
- Apply evidence-based treatments such as DBT, Cognitive Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy
- Emphasize psychoeducation, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and behavioral experiments
Objective #4: Adolescent and Young Adult Developmental Considerations
- Explore developmental vulnerabilities including impulsivity, peer orientation, and sensation-seeking
- Address identity formation challenges and social alienation impacts
- Understand the imaginary audience phenomenon and its role in shame and self-harm
- Develop interventions involving family engagement, school collaboration, and community support
- Recognize the importance of prevention and resilience-building strategies
Case Studies and Media Integration
- Analyze case examples illustrating self-harm triggers and family dynamics
- Discuss self-harming behaviors using documentary excerpts to connect theory with lived experiences
- Identify treatment dilemmas and collaborative intervention planning through real-world scenarios
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Jillian Graves, PhD, LMSW
Recording Date: 1/20/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com