Working with children and young people who self-harm with reference to eating disorders

Overview

In a world where young people are negotiating so much, often they turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms. Self-harm is a common behaviour seen in young people which needs to be understood to be supported. The body can be an outlet of distress and so this presentation will facilitate an understanding of self-harm in young people including looking at eating issues and then discussing ways to work psychotherapeutically to help young people heal.

Research suggests a significant increase in referrals of disordered eating and harm over the last few years and therefore this presentation will help build confidence in those working with young people by developing a deeper understanding and thinking about self-harm as a communication in a world where certainty is very limited.

About the presenter

Lynne Davis

Lynne is the course director for the Diploma in Therapeutic Arts (weekend route) at IATE. She is UKCP and HCPC registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and Adolescent Therapeutic Counsellor. Lynne worked for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for over 10 years (trauma specialist for Surrey children in care) and specialises in trauma, attachment issues and mental health with training in EMDR, somatic trauma therapy, sensory integration, Story Stems, Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.

Lynne published a chapter in 'Helping Adolescents with Anger and Low Self-esteem', edited by Dr Margot Sunderland. Prior to training as a Psychotherapist, Lynne trained as an Occupational Therapist in South Africa working in mental health services.