15-Minute Focus - Self-Harm and Self-Injury

by Leigh Bagwell

Students today face stressors on an unprecedented scale. From unstable world events to unsteady family situations, the external and internal pressures they experience can become overwhelming, and some turn to self-harm (NSSI) as a means to cope. On the outside, such behavior confuses and disturbs many people, even the teachers and parents who are closest to students. This book provides the research and perspective adults need to help kids who turn to NSSI as a means of dealing with their distress.

In this book, you’ll discover:

-Types of NSSI behavior, including cutting, biting, hair pulling, and bruising
-The relationship between self-harm (NSSI) and suicidal ideation
-Signs and symptoms of NSSI beyond wounds and scars
-Myths and truths about NSSI
-Protocols for schools to follow when NSSI is suspected
-How parents and schools can partner to help students in need

This book features stories from students as they explain NSSI from their experiences, giving adults an inside look into the lives of those who struggle with this behavior. Also included are online resources that counselors and teachers can utilize, including infographics, NSSI assessments, and calming behaviors for use in place of self-harm.

96 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2021

About the author

Dr. Leigh Bagwell is a member of the School Counseling Core Faculty in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Capella University. Bagwell joined Capella in the spring of 2022 shortly after completing her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Tennessee. She began her career as an elementary and middle school counselor before moving to leadership and supervisory roles in school counseling for preK-12 education in both urban and suburban school districts then ultimately serving as the Director of School Counseling Services for the Tennessee Department of Education. As a school counseling educator and leader, her mission is to provide school counselors and administrators with the training and resources needed to deliver high quality, student driven, data informed comprehensive school counseling programs to all students. She believes when school counselors and school leaders work together to all students have access to the opportunities and supports they need to successfully move through their elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education into their chosen career.

In addition to her work in Tennessee, Bagwell partners with school counselors and school counseling leaders throughout the country using her experiences and knowledge to build their capacity to more effectively serve students. She has written numerous books and has served as a consultant on several SEL children’s books. She has conducted research on mental health supports for students and families and is a consultant with an international organization developing tools and materials that help school counselors deliver effective school counseling programs to all students. Dr. Bagwell’s hope is to equip and empower school counselors to use their unique knowledge and skills to advocate and support all students to reach their potential and achieve their dreams.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource! I have used and will continue to use many of the printable resources included. There were a lot of typos and misprints in my copy of this book and some of the suggested protocol is likely to be more difficult in smaller schools like my own due to not having many of the positions mentioned.