Description:

Adolescent self-harming behavior is on the rise and one of the most challenging presenting problems therapists will face today in their clinical practice settings. Therapists referred these clients are often intimidated by their cutting and burning behaviors, the DSM IV labels they have been given, and the army of helping professionals involved with them and their families. many of these adolescents have experienced multiple treatment failures, feel emotionally disconnected from their parents, and come from families where there may be difficulties with marital or post-divorce conflicts, invalidating family interactions, gender power imbalance issues, or family secrets. In this hands-on, practice-oriented workshop, participants will learn a collaborative, strengths-based therapy approach that capitalizes on the strengths and resources of the adolescent, family members, concerned peers, adult inspirational others, and involved helpers from larger systems to rapidly co-construct solutions. videotape examples of major therapeutic techniques and strategies will be provided.

Educational Objectives:

1. To list two questions designed to elicit client expertise, wellformulated treatment goals and untold family stories.
2. To list the guidelines for how parents can prevent and constructively manage their adolescent’s self-harming behavior.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*