Understanding Self-Harm in Therapeutic Practice

Learn how self-harm functions for many clients and explore the psychological, emotional, and relational factors that may contribute to self-injury.

Assessing Risk and Ethical Responsibilities

Develop greater confidence in assessing risk, understanding safeguarding responsibilities, and making ethical decisions when working with self-harm.

Supporting Clients Safely and Compassionately

Explore therapeutic responses that support clients who self-harm while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical practice.

About the Course

Working with self-harm can feel complex and challenging for many counsellors. This CPD course is designed to help practitioners understand self-harm more deeply and respond safely, ethically, and compassionately in therapeutic practice. You will explore the psychological meaning of self-harm, develop greater confidence in assessing risk, and consider therapeutic responses that support emotional regulation and client safety. In this course you will explore: • The psychological meaning and functions of self-harm • Assessing risk and ethical responsibilities • Safeguarding considerations within counselling practice • Therapeutic responses that support emotional regulation • Maintaining professional boundaries when working with self-harm This course is suitable for counsellors, psychotherapists, trainees, and other mental health professionals seeking CPD in this important area of practice.

What You Will Learn in This Course

• Understanding the functions and meanings of self-harm • Differentiating self-harm from suicidal intent • Assessing risk and responding to safety concerns • Therapeutic responses that do not reinforce self-harm behaviour • Supporting emotional regulation and alternative coping strategies • Ethical considerations when working with self-harm • Maintaining professional boundaries in therapeutic practice This training combines psychological understanding with practical considerations for counselling practice.

Aspire Counselling Academy

This course has been developed by Aspire Counselling Academy, a provider of counselling training, professional qualifications, and continuing professional development (CPD) for counsellors and therapists. Aspire Counselling Academy offers training across a range of counselling topics and professional development areas, supporting both trainee counsellors and qualified practitioners in developing safe, ethical, and reflective practice. Drawing on experience in counselling practice and practitioner training, Aspire Counselling Academy courses are designed to help therapists build knowledge, confidence, and professional awareness when working with complex client presentations, including self-harm. Aspire Counselling Academy provides both specialist CPD courses and counselling qualifications, supporting practitioners at different stages of their professional development. Training Provider: www.aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk

Course Curriculum Overview The course is divided into structured modules designed to build understanding, confidence, and ethical awareness when working with self-harm in counselling practice.

5 Chapters · 20 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to Self-Harm

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Self-Harm

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Psychology Behind Self-Harm

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Functions of Self-Harm

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Self-Harm and Suicidal Intent

  2. 2

    Assessment and Risk Management

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Recognising Indicators of Self-Harm

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Conducting a Sensitive Risk Assessment

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      When Self-Harm Indicates Suicide Risk

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Creating a Safety Plan

  3. 3

    Therapeutic Approaches

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Responding to Self-Harm Disclosures

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Working with Shame and Self-Criticism

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Cognitive Behavioral Strategies

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Developing Emotional Regulation Skills

  4. 4

    Ethical Practice and Reflection

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Summary and Reflective Practice

  5. 5

    Practical Applications and Refelction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Working with Self-Harm in Counselling Practice Quiz

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Self-Harm Risk Assessment Guide

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Self-Harm Safety Planning Template

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding the Functions of Self-Harm Worksheet

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Emotional Regulation Strategies Handout

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Counsellor Reflective Practice Sheet

Build Confidence in Working With Self-Harm in Counselling Practice

Enroll today to develop the knowledge, confidence, and ethical awareness required to respond safely and compassionately when clients present with self-harm. This CPD course includes: • 6 structured learning modules • 12 lessons • Practical guidance for counselling practice • CPD certificate on completion

£45.00

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