Positive Focus: A groupwork approach to self harm - Book

This group programme was developed due to a rise in self-harm referrals when CAMHS resources were limited.

Seven sessions, with an optional eighth encompass anger management, relaxation, assertion, communication skills, distraction and channelling, problem solving and self-control.

Sessions offer:
• positive alternatives to self-harm
• understanding of triggers/maintainers
• opportunities to express feelings and have shared creative experiences
• stress management and coping strategies
• development of self-control and taking responsibility for actions
• making choices
• dealing with difficult situations
• understanding needs and rights.

Group members build a personalised support toolkit. Includes session plans, downloadable online materials and monitoring tools.

Ideal group size: 6.

"It provides a clear structure for setting up and running group sessions for young people who self-harm… I think this is a very useful resource for professionals working with young people who self-harm… It facilitates the development of group sessions, which make best use of professional's time."
Highly Commended in Health and Social Care in the 2016 BMA Medical Book Awards