Self-Harm: A Psychotherapeutic Approach by Fiona Gardner

by Fiona Gardner

Explores the issues involved from the perspective of a psychoanalytical psychotherapist.

Genres: Psychology

Paperback Bunko

First published October 11, 2001

About the author

Fiona Gardner is a writer and spiritual director. She has worked as a diocesan safeguarding advisor in the Church of England for six years, and prior to that as a social worker and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Her previous publications include Taking Heart (forthcoming), The Only Mind Worth Having (2015), Precious Thoughts (2011), The Four Steps of Love (2007) and Journeying Home (2004), as well as books and articles on psychoanalysis.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an in-depth look at self-harm, specifically in young women. It explores various theories around what leads a person into self-harming behaviour and the subconscious processes around it. I found the clinical case examples really interesting as they brought to life the concepts Gardner explains throughout the book.
It is quite heavy in places, some of the theories are complex and went a bit over my head. But I'm not a therapist or psychologist, so perhaps it would be easier to understand from that perspective.
This book has huge value because it educates readers about self-harm in a sympathetic, non-sensational way.

[Matteo Albertinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very clear and easy to read.
The reader will find a wide range of clinical experiences on self-harm which are expecially useful for reference in clinical practice.
The psychoanalytical reflection of the author are quite on point. However, I would have liked for them to get a bit more speculative and I would have liked for the author to let me know more about her personal take on the matter.