Bodily Harm: The Breakthrough Healing Program For Self-Injurers - Softcover

Kingsonbloom, Jennifer; Conterio, Karen; Lader PhD, Wendy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786885041 ISBN 13: 9780786885046

Publisher: Balance, 1999

Synopsis

Self-injury is one of our society's fastest-growing and most disturbing epidemics. Bodily Harm is the most authoritative examination of this alarming syndrome and the first to offer a comprehensive treatment regimen. Written by the directors of S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Alternatives, it clearly defines what cutting is and explains the kinds of emotional trauma that can lead to self-mutilation. Most importantly, Bodily Harm offers a course of treatment based on years of experience and extensive clinical research; as well as compassion, advice, and hope for the afflicted and their loved ones.

About this title

About the Author

Karen Conterio is the Administrative Director of S.A.F.E. (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) Alternatives. The program was founded by Conterio in 1984 as the first outpatient support group for those who engage in repetitive self-harm behavior. In 1985, she teamed with Wendy Lader, Ph.D., to offer the first structured inpatient program. Wendy Lader, Ph.D., is Clinical Director of the S.A.F.E. Alternatives program. She also serves as a consultant to the Women's Services at the Loop YWCA in Chicago. Both authors live in Chicago.

From Publishers Weekly

Operating a clinic in the Chicago area since 1985, Conterio and Lader have developed a program for people who cut, burn and otherwise mutilate themselves. This behavior, in their view, is neither a disease nor an addiction, but rather "a matter of choice... a mechanism to cope with stress, relieve inexpressible feelings, and gain attention." The authors take this view not to blame the afflicted, but to emphasize that, in their "S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Alternatives" program, patients can and do "learn to make a different choice." This tack differs somewhat from those of some other recent books on the subjectAfor example, Steven Levenkron's Cutting (Forecasts, April 20)Ain rejecting the disease model that establishes self-injury as a disorder akin to obsessive-compulsive disorder or alcoholism. The line Conterio and Lader draw is a fine one, though, as they refer to self-injury as a "compulsion," and as the questions they pose to identify a self-injurer includes such phrases as "compulsively drawn," "get a 'high'" and "consume your thoughts." The authors describe an impressive treatment program, using a "toolbox" consisting of psychotherapy, a No-Harm Contract, an Impulse Control Log, Five Alternatives and many writing assignments. In a four-week program with follow-up care, they teach patients self-acceptance and verbal expression as a healthier alternative to self-injury. This is a thorough and helpful guide for patient, loved ones and therapists alike. Author tour.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Balance
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0786885041
• ISBN 13: 9780786885046
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320