How Should Self-Harm Be Defined?, with Drs. Brooke Ammerman & Greg Lengel

How Should Self-Harm Be Defined?, with Drs. Brooke Ammerman & Greg Lengel

Author: Nicholas J. Westers Psy.D. ABPP December 29, 2023 Duration: 51:48
Brooke Ammerman, PhD, and Greg Lengel, PhD, define nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and self-harm.

Dr. Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist and professor, hosts The Psychology of Self-Injury: Exploring Self-Harm & Mental Health. This podcast moves beyond simple questions to explore the complex realities of self-injury, offering a space for nuanced conversation often missing from public discourse. Each episode is built on collaboration with the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury, ensuring the content is both credible and compassionate. You'll hear from leading researchers and clinicians who share the latest scientific understanding, but crucially, the series also centers voices with lived experience. These personal narratives provide essential context, helping to humanize the statistics and theories discussed. The dialogue tackles difficult topics, from the underlying psychological functions of self-harm to practical guidance on how to support someone who is struggling. It’s designed for anyone seeking a deeper, evidence-based comprehension-whether you're a mental health professional, an educator, a family member, or someone on a personal journey of understanding. By weaving together expert insight and personal story, this podcast fosters a more informed and empathetic perspective on a deeply misunderstood aspect of mental health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 71

The Psychology of Self-Injury: Exploring Self-Harm & Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Lived Experience: Kirsty's Story of Self-Injury & Advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
Kirsty from New Zealand shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and how her experiences inform her work in advocating for, and instilling hope in, others with similar stories of self-harm.
Self-Injury Under Age 12, with Dr. Imke Baetens & Lisa Van Hove [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
Imke Baetens, PhD, from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University) in Belgium and PhD student Lisa Van Hove discuss the prevalence and characteristics of self-injury and self-harm among children under age 12.
Self-Injury Over Age 40, with Dr. Sarah Swannell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:09
Sarah Swannell, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Australia and Lecturer at the University of Queensland discusses the prevalence and characteristics of self-injury and self-harm among individuals over age 40.
Self-Injury Location: Visible vs Concealed, with Dr. Kathryn Gardner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:13
Kathryn Gardner, PhD, from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom discusses the significance of where on the body individuals choose to engage in self-cutting behavior and the psychology of self-injur…
Self-Harm Across Cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:14
Marc Wilson, PhD, from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand shares about cross-cultural representations of self-injury and self-harm.
Eating Disorders & Self-Harm, with Dr. Katie Gordon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:55
Kathryn Gordon, PhD, from Fargo, North Dakota discusses the relationship between disordered eating and self-harm, how often they co-occur, why they co-occur, and physical pain sensitivity amidst eating disorder behavior…
Lived Experience: Brittany's Story of Self-Injury & Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:46
Brittany from Texas shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and self-harm and how her faith has helped her navigate both positive and negative reactions from religious leaders.