For Professionals
Welcome to our page for professionals! We are currently using this page to link professionals with other websites and resources that contain current information about self-injury in youth. We have also provided some materials by INSYNC researchers, including powerpoint presentations and publications. In addition to the references regarding self-injury provided on our pages for youth, family and friends, the following websites and resources might be useful for professionals such as: teachers, school counselors, youth counselors and physicians.
Grand Rounds Presentation, BC Children's Hospital, March 9, 2009 (PDF)
There is also a link to more information about the School Counselor Training Workshop on "Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in the Schools".
General Resources for Professionals
The National Children’s Bureau, based in the UK, has a website about self-harm in adolescents. This link will take you to their section for professionals. Here you will find information about how you can help youth who self-injure, as well as a list of publications and other resources for professionals. We find that their page about What To Do has many helpful suggestions.
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The Canadian Mind Your Mind website has developed a ‘Pro Portal’ to bring professionals and youth together on one interactive website.
On this website you’ll find resources to help you engage youth in positive mental health. |
Another UK-based website, belonging to the group ‘National Inquiry into Self-harm Among Young People’, has this information sheet for professionals working with youth who self-injure.
Link directly to the PDF by clicking on the image to the right, or visit their website here: http://www.selfharmuk.org/ |
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The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior website summarizes this group’s research, and also provides resources and links to further information about self-injury in youth.
Click on the link to visit their ‘resources’ page. |
Resources Specifically for Clinicians
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Ottawa Self Injury Inventory-Clinical (OSI)
This self report questionnaire has been used in youth in both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings to assess aspects of the behaviour. It is currently under evaluation in a multi-site inpatient study. |
Ottawa Self Injury Inventory-Functions
(OSI-F)
This is a much abbreviated version of the OSI that focuses solely on identifying functions of self-injury such as affect regulation, interpersonal influence, self punishment, sensation seeking, etc. These questions are part of the longer version of the OSI and are currently being evaluated.
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The Self Assessment Sheet (SAS) was developed to assess and follow over time self harm behaviour and associated issues.
The SAS:
n1. Identifies possible triggers
n2. Identifies cognitions associated with SI act
n3. Rates intensity of emotional state using a likeart scale
n4. Addresses any attempts to cope differently
n5. Provides a self assessment rating scale re coping
n6. Asks to youth to identify any consequences of their behaviour
n7. Can be used as both an assessment tool and a means to monitor any use of different coping skills with treatment over time.
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Nixon, M. K., & Heath, N. L. (June, 2008). Self-Injury in Youth: The Essential Guide to Assessment and Intervention. New York: Routledge Press.
This text represents the first evidenced based multi-author, multi-discipline publication that aims at providing the most up to date information regarding understanding and treating self injury in youth. In addition to having authors who represent the leading researchers in the field, this volume offers those working with these youth practical and step wise approaches to assessment and intervention.
In addition, Chapter 15 is a Resource Guide for Working with Youth, listing articles, manuals, web resources and books about self-injury for professionals, families and youth themselves. More information about this book can be found on the INSYNC Publications Page.
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Resources Specifically for School-based Professionals
SCHOOL COUNSELOR TRAINING WORKSHOP
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in the Schools
www.heath-onlineresearch.com
The Heath Research Team is pleased to offer a free online professional training workshop geared towards school-based mental health professionals working with adolescents who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The purpose of the workshop is to provide background information about NSSI, as well as practical tools for assessment and treatment of NSSI by mental heath professionals who work with adolescents within the school context.
The workshop is divided into three comprehensive modules. Each module includes the presentation of content information through a PowerPoint slideshow, downloadable resource documents, a complete reference list, and a brief quiz.
This material has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Nancy Heath in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University and Dr. Victoria White Kress in the Department of Counseling and Special Education, Youngstown State University. Currently, the training workshop is only available to the 450 school counselors who participated in a recent research project. However, the goal is to revise and improve the materials over the coming year and then open registration for the training workshop. If you are interested in being place on a waiting list, please forward your name and contact information to heathresearchteam@hotmail.com.
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This page, on the Royal College of Psychiatrists website (based in the United Kingdom) is for families and teachers dealing with youth who self-injure.
The section Where can I Get Help? in this fact sheet provides suggestions for parents and teachers. Further down the page, there is also a list of additional resources and web links. |
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This article, available on the National Association of School Psychologists website, discusses how school teachers and staff can improve their ability to respond to students who self-injure:
Lieberman, R. (2004). “Understanding and Responding to Students Who Self-Mutilate.” Principal Leadership (High School Ed.), 4, 10-13. |
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This website is intended for educational and information purposes only. It is not intended to provide, nor should it be considered to be a substitute for, professional medical, counselling, or legal services. Users of the site are strongly advised to discuss the content of the site with a qualified professional. INSYNC does not accept any liability for any person who relies on the content of this site. |
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