Healing the Hurt Within : Understand Self-Injury and Self-Harm, and Heal the Emotional Wounds

by Jan Sutton

Foreword by Tracy Alderman The release of this second edition of HTHW could not be more timely. Since the release of the first edition in 1999, we have seen more and more people who are hurting and who are hurting themselves. We have also witnessed an increase in the media attention focused on self-injury; media attention which sometimes sensationalizes this behavior at the cost of accuracy. If we were to believe much of what the media presents, there is a self-injury epidemic infecting our youth, for which there is no cure or prevention (or cause, in many cases). With PR like this, no wonder people react poorly when they hear about self-injury! In HTHW, Jan has done an outstanding job of correcting the media misinformation and showing self-injury for what it a method of coping for people who are in emotional distress. Jan clarifies many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding this behavior, helping to reduce the stigma attached to self-injury. Drawing from her decades of experience as a counselor, trainer, and author, Jan utilizes a variety of sources of information to assist in reinforcing her points. In this book you will read some of the most current research from noted experts in the field of self-injury. Also, the case studies and session transcripts that Jan presents will keep you mesmerized. These courageous individuals allow you to join them in their difficult journeys from hurting and self-injury to healing and health. Finally, Jan lets those who are self-injuring speak for themselves, devoting an entire section to their creative works. Not being one to shy away from controversial issues, Jan tackles the difficult topic of recovered versus "false" memories. In HTHW, Jan clarifies the way in which self-injury, dissociation, and recovered memories are intertwined, leading to the return of traumatic memories in later life. You’ll also see the traumatic effects of rediscovering these memories only to be told by a mental health professional that they’re "false" or created. Jan also provides strategies for mental health workers to ensure that they work effectively with their clients so as to not risk allegations of creating "false" memories. Amazingly enough, many people still view self-injury as the same thing as suicide. While self-injury is usually done to help a person cope and get through a difficult situation (a life-sustaining behavior), suicide is performed as a way of ending life. Although this would seem clear enough, I can’t tell you the number of professionals that are unaware of this distinction. Jan helps to allay this confusion and distinguish the differences between these two behaviors. Additionally, Jan provides a comprehensive list of self-harming behaviors and presents a viable definition of self-harm. HTHW is a book for anyone who has ever dealt with self-injury on any level or even wondered about it. The inclusion of an enormous resource section, tips on healing, and even strategies for therapists to implement, makes this a truly comprehensive and useful book. But perhaps the most important function of HTHW is that it offers hope and help to those who are hurting. Tracy Alderman, Ph.D. Author of The Scarred Understanding and Ending Self-Inflicted Violence Co-Author of Amongst A Self-Help Guide to Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Mental Illness

540 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jane Butane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reluctant to read this book in case it was a bit "touchy feely" but it is fantastic. I am in recovery from addiction as well as self-harm and this book really tied things together and explained various diagnoses well, without being patronising.

The chapters intended to help the friends and families of those dealing with self harm were great too.

This is the best book I have read on this particular area. It takes a more factual approach which is great for me as I have little interest in reading stories of recovery and so on. That being said, there is plenty of space dedicated to testimonials of those that are still suffering and have recovered too. A decent balance!

[Leah Hosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as preparation for conducting some research on harm minimisation, this book by Jan Sutton provides an excellent overview on the topic of self-injury, with sections relevant to many who may be affected by it; parents, friends, healthcare professionals and indeed the individual who self harms or has considered it.

The author provides a balanced mixture of academic research alongside service user contributions. There is emphasis in all the right places when it comes to having an understanding of why those that self-harm do what they do, and how they can be helped.

Unfortunately many of the resources noted within are now inaccessible or unavailable, including the author’s own website. It is certainly not her fault that I picked up her book 11 years after it was published, but following up on the information is hit or miss. Equally, much of the research harks back to the original (1999) edition. While still useful, it may frustrate a reader looking for current information.

Summary: Read the book. If this is a topic that affects you personally or professionally, you will find something helpful within.

[Elodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels a bit dated some of the advice on expressing anger is inaccurate. The extracts from people’s own stories was interesting though to see how each personal journey is different and of course the encouragement of person centred values and helping the client recognise triggers is good.

[EG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource for working with clients who self-injure. Non-judgemental in tone and full of useful insights.