Book Details

Hidden Self-Harm: Narratives from Psychotherapy

This practical and accessible book of case studies takes a new look at self-harm, focusing on the under-explored area of 'hidden' self-harming behaviour.

The roots of self-care in maternal care are investigated using the method of psychoanalytic infant observation. The case studies that follow revolve around examples of low-level self-cutting, self-hitting, eating distress and 'self-harm by omission', including unconsciously invited accidents and failures to 'take care' and to seek appropriate medical care. As well as attending to self-harming symptoms, the author highlights the importance of identifying and building on the self-caring tendency that brings the client to psychotherapy.

Using both psychoanalytic and postmodern thinking to reflect on the clinical material, the book emphases the unique nature of each client's experience and quest for personal meaning. It also explores the culturally embedded nature of judgements that certain behaviours qualify as 'normal' while others attract the label 'self-harm'.

Written from a psychoanalytic perspective, but using straightforward language, Hidden Self-Harm is a stimulating read and a valuable resource for social workers, teachers, general practitioners, nurses and lay helpers as well as for counsellors and psychotherapists.

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