An Interview with Barent Walsh, Ph.D. on the Nature and Treatment of Self-Injury

Mental Help Net (www.mentalhelp.net) presents the Wise Counsel Podcast (wisecounsel.mentalhelp.net), hosted by David Van Nuys, Ph.D. "Barent Walsh, Ph.D. on Self-Injury". In this edition of the Wise Counsel Podcast, Dr. Van Nuys interviews Barent Walsh, Ph.D. on the topic of self-injury, also known as self-harm, self-mutilation and parasuicidal behavior. The most common forms of self-injurious behavior are cutting and burning one's self (with a blade, with fire). The intent of the self-injury is to create tissue damage there is generally no intent to commit suicide. Self-injury is primarily attractive to people who are experiencing strong and painful emotions such as anxiety, depression, shame or anger as a means of regulating and controlling these negative emotions. People who self-injury repeatedly will typically not have available to them better, more functional ways of coping with painful moods.