Self-injury among children and adolescents is an increasingly visible clinical presentation faced by educators and child psychologists. It is complex, and for those who have not experienced working with youth who self-injure, it can be accidentally further stigmatised, misunderstood, and easily mishandled.
This presentation works to provide a practical, evidence-based framework for understanding and responding to self-harm in school and clinical settings. It begins with an overview of the historical context of self-injury, followed by an exploration of the biological, psychological, and behavioural drivers underpinning self-injurious behaviour. Participants will be guided through current best practices for supporting young people who self-injure, with a focus on translating current research into accessible and actionable strategies. How to respond effectively to disclosures of self-harm, foster safe and supportive environments for youth, and reduce stigma within educational and clinical settings will also be addressed.
To support the findings of best practice, attendees will be introduced to a harm-reduction approach, including step-by-step guidance on assembling and using a self-harm support kit for students who may have recently engaged in self-injury. Emphasis is placed on balancing duty of care with empathy, promoting student autonomy, and strengthening collaborative responses between educators, mental health professionals, GPs, and children's families.
This presentation aims to equip attendees with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to provide compassionate, informed care to young people navigating self-injury, so that they may feel less alone within their distress.
About our presenter: Logan Flott
Logan is a registered psychologist with experience across clinical and research settings. She studied at the University of Iowa and Boston University, where she worked and lectured as a teaching assistant. She has contributed to research in anxiety, attachment, and ADHD, and has worked in schools supporting children with complex needs.
Now based in Australia, Logan provides trauma-informed, inclusive care across the lifespan, with a particular focus on neurodivergent and LGBT+ youth. She supports clients primarily presenting with complex trauma, self-harm, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis, and works to deliver compassionate, eclectic, and client-centred therapy.
Webinar timing: 7:00 – 8:00 pm AEST
Access to the recording of this webinar: A recording of this webinar will be available through the CPD Webinar Library, but for the best experience and the opportunity to ask your questions, join us live. Everyone who registers will be advised via email as soon as the recording is available. Members have unlimited access to the recording, and non-members will have access for 6 months.