Psychotherapist Working With Self-Harm Case Study
Gill Bates
3277
Lives 14
Module 5
What are the challenges that face a psychotherapist working with self-harm or eating disorders?”
“What are the challenges that face a psychotherapist working with self-harm or eating disorders?”
Self-harm can be said to be the act of self-inflicting physical attacks on the body (Gardner, 2001). In self-harming, the client aims to deliberately, and usually habitually harm their body but not to destroy or kill it. Levitt et al (2004) also says that the act of self-harming is an attempt to draw attention to one’s plight or to scream for help rather than an attempt to achieve death. Self-mutilation and self-starvation are said to be pleas for recognition (Hewitt, 1997 cited in Levitt et al,). Gardner reiterates that self-harming is a metaphoric representation of earlier psychic wounds and also internalised processes obtained from early object relationships (Gardner, 2001). She sees both our real experiences of and our fantasies about parental and other figures/objects as internalised and being embedded in the way we cope with life. I agree with the theorist as it is a fact that the inner objects shape our psyche and influence other relationships and also how we behave. Engaging in self-harm can therefore be perceived as a way of making statements about ourselves, our past relationships …show more content…
Some clients describe self-harm as a useful coping mechanism that helps them feel better without having to confront their painful feelings or thoughts. Therefore these clients are unlikely to discuss their feelings and concerns openly with the therapist. Some clients may avoid confrontation, but instead they may become complimentary or apologetic towards the therapist. This strategy is used because they may be scared of rejection by the therapist. This will only be overcome by building a true rapport and trust in the client/therapist
3277
Lives 14
Module 5
What are the challenges that face a psychotherapist working with self-harm or eating disorders?”
“What are the challenges that face a psychotherapist working with self-harm or eating disorders?”
Self-harm can be said to be the act of self-inflicting physical attacks on the body (Gardner, 2001). In self-harming, the client aims to deliberately, and usually habitually harm their body but not to destroy or kill it. Levitt et al (2004) also says that the act of self-harming is an attempt to draw attention to one’s plight or to scream for help rather than an attempt to achieve death. Self-mutilation and self-starvation are said to be pleas for recognition (Hewitt, 1997 cited in Levitt et al,). Gardner reiterates that self-harming is a metaphoric representation of earlier psychic wounds and also internalised processes obtained from early object relationships (Gardner, 2001). She sees both our real experiences of and our fantasies about parental and other figures/objects as internalised and being embedded in the way we cope with life. I agree with the theorist as it is a fact that the inner objects shape our psyche and influence other relationships and also how we behave. Engaging in self-harm can therefore be perceived as a way of making statements about ourselves, our past relationships …show more content…
Some clients describe self-harm as a useful coping mechanism that helps them feel better without having to confront their painful feelings or thoughts. Therefore these clients are unlikely to discuss their feelings and concerns openly with the therapist. Some clients may avoid confrontation, but instead they may become complimentary or apologetic towards the therapist. This strategy is used because they may be scared of rejection by the therapist. This will only be overcome by building a true rapport and trust in the client/therapist