andy
22-01-2009, 01:34 PM
Many of my colleagues have been involved with this difficult topic. In some services the very idea that an adolescent should be taught to cut themselves in a controlled and safe manner is anathema. I believe the approach is a logical one as a short term behaviour management strategy. The shear distress that young people go through that leads to this phenomenon is both complex and difficult to cope with. My own view is that young people reach a point where they are so hyperaroused that these behaviours almost become automatic in nature. To this end we can think of the brain as having 'hot' and 'cool' processes. Hot processes are more automatic in nature whereas cool processes are the opposite. I believe that cutting can occur in some young people almost in a visceral and unthinking manner. So if cutting using clean implement releaves self harm by reducing anxiety or distracting people then turning this into a more positive and safer ritual has to be a good thing. I am starting this thread because I think there is a real gulf between different childcare agencies on this matter. I really am interested in what people think about this.