Why do people self-injure? The urge to cut, scratch, rub, tear and burn our skin seems in direct contrast to our innate instincts of self-preservation and survival.
Recent research indicates that some people may be at a greater risk of engagement in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) on the basis of their sexuality and gender identity. This webinar will provide a current overview of the behaviour and functions of NSSI, differentiating it from suicide. It will specifically focus on presenting the findings of recent studies into NSSI, including Madeline’s own research on the impact of sexual orientation on NSSI. This webinar aims to generate an awareness of the prevalence of NSSI in LGBTI communities and promote clinical enquiry about its presence.
Presenter
Madeline Wishart has a special interest in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), recently submitting her PhD into the psychosocial determinants of the acts and functions of nonsuicidal self-injury. At Nillumbik Community Health Service, she was the Project Officer on the Managing Deliberate Self Harm Project, and then co-developed and co-facilitated the From Harm To Calm therapeutic group. Madeline has also worked as a youth, school, and trauma counsellor. She has presented numerous seminars and workshops on managing NSSI in adolescents. Madeline currently works as sessional lecturer at Victoria University, and project manager at Youth Support & Advocacy Service (YSAS) in Melbourne.