Freedom from Self-Harm: Overcoming Self-Injury with Skills from DBT and Other Treatments

by Alexander L. Chapman PhD, RPsych, Kim L. Gratz PhD, Barent Walsh PhD (Foreword by)

Overview

Self-injury can be as addictive as any drug, and the secrecy and shame many sufferers feel about this behavior can keep them feeling trapped. But if you're ready to replace self-harm with a set of healthy coping skills, this compassionate and practical book can help.

This complete guide to stopping self-injury gives you the facts about self-harm, corrects common myths about this behavior, and provides self-soothing techniques you can begin using right away for regulating difficult or overwhelming emotions. Freedom from Self-Harm also includes self-assessment worksheets, guidance for seeking professional help, and information about the most effective therapies and medications. Drawn from treatments such as dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, the tools in this book can help you cope with your emotions whenever you feel the urge to self-harm.

This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608824441
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	05/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Alexander L. Chapman, PhD, RPsych, is professor, director of clinical training, and coordinator of the clinical science area in the psychology department at Simon Fraser University in Canada, as well as a registered psychologist and president of the DBT Centre of Vancouver. Chapman directs the Personality and Emotion Research Lab, where he studies the role of emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, impulsivity, as well as other related issues. His research has been funded by major grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Chapman has received the Young Investigator’s Award from the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD), the Canadian Psychological Association’s Scientist Practitioner Early Career Award, and a Career Investigator award from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

Chapman has coauthored twelve books for consumers and clinicians. Board certified in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (DBT-Linehan Board of Certification), Chapman cofounded a psychology practice focused on DBT, and regularly gives workshops and presentations to clinicians and community groups both nationally and internationally. He also has been practicing martial arts and mindfulness meditation for many years, and enjoys cooking, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family.
Kim L. Gratz, PhD, is a senior clinical quality manager and clinical lead of the dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program at Lyra Health. She also holds an appointment in the department of psychology at the University of Toledo, where she previously served as professor and chair. She has received multiple awards for her research on emotion regulation, personality disorders, and self-injury; and has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications and eight books on borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-injury, and DBT.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1

Part I Understanding Self-Harm

Chapter 1 What Is Self-Harm? 13

Chapter 2 Myths About Self-Harm 25

Chapter 3 What Causes Self-Harm? 39

Chapter 4 Psychiatric Disorders That Often Accompany Self-Harm 61

Chapter 5 The Many Purposes of Self-Harm: Why People Harm Themselves 79

Chapter 6 So, What's Wrong with Self-Harm? 95

Part II How Do I Get Help for Self-Harm?

Chapter 7 Getting Help for Self-Harm 117

Chapter 8 Psychological Treatments 141

Chapter 9 Medication Treatments 163

Part III Coping Strategies for Managing Self-Harm

Chapter 10 Getting Motivated to Stop Self-Harm and Increasing Your Chances of Success 185

Chapter 11 Coping with Self-Harm Urges 203

Chapter 12 Managing Emotions Related to Self-Harm 227

Chapter 13 Moving Forward: Living a Life without Self-Harm 245

References 253

Editorial Reviews

Alexander Chapman and Kim Gratz are two of the very best in this field.”
—Marsha M. Linehan, Ph.D., author of Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder

From the Publisher