Self-Harm: A Psychotherapeutic Approach

by Fiona Gardner

Self-harm is worryingly common in young women, and is often used as a way of easing emotional suffering. A Psychotherapeutic Approach explores the issues involved from the perspective of a psychoanalytical psychotherapist. Fiona Gardner examines these issues through extensive clinical material and an analysis of the social and cultural influences behind self-harm. This book will be of interest to all those working with those who are harming themselves, including psychotherapists, school counsellors, social workers and mental health clinicians.

Genres: Mental Health, Psychology

178 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[Jamie Peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Gardner's compassionate perspective on victims of self harm encourages a self empathic approach for those that have thought or engaged with self harm activities.

Gardner talks about the history of cultural appropriate self harm, victim blaming, isolation and neglect. She exposes a therapist perspective and vulnerable thoughts about caring for young women that practice regular self harm rituals. This book opens a conversation for those that have felt the internal conflict or desire to hurt the body. it guides the reader or victim into where these thoughts may have come from, and an empathic perspective for the narcissistic tendencies these habits practice. I encourage anyone who has struggled with self imaging or relationship with their body to give this book a read. however there is a lot of Freud within this book that I had a difficult time with. so if that's not your cup of tea, you may struggle at times with that.