Art therapy with young people who self-harm and/or express suicidal ideation

The world is constantly changing and can be a confusing and seemingly terrifying environment for many young people. Sadly, the numbers of young people who self-harm and express suicidal ideation is increasing. This course introduces practitioners to many of the issues surrounding self-harm and explores how art therapy can be an effective intervention.

Book tickets

Date & Time

Saturday 25 January 2025

10am - 4pm

Who this event is for

Open to all suitably qualified and trainee professionals

Tickets

Non-members: £225

Associate members: £155

Full members
Employed: £140
Underemployed: £130
Unemployed/retired: £115

Trainee members: £115

Please create a free booking account if you don't have one or are not a member.

Location

Online via Zoom

Art therapy with young people who self-harm and/or express suicidal ideation

The world is constantly changing and can be a confusing and seemingly terrifying environment for many young people. Sadly, the numbers of young people who self-harm and express suicidal ideation is increasing. This course introduces practitioners to many of the issues surrounding self-harm and explores how art therapy can be an effective intervention.

What are self-harm and suicidal ideation?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally causes injury or harm to their own body. Self-harm and self-injury affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Young people may self-harm for many reasons, usually because they feel emotionally distressed. Sometimes young people self-harm to communicate distress or gain relief when overwhelmed and at other times with the intent to end their lives following suicidal ideation.

What you will learn

This course will offer an in-depth exploration of how young people view the world and how ‘overwhelm’ can sometimes lead to feeling a lack of control and self-harm. The course will equip you with the potential and confidence to make informed decisions about how to carefully approach these sensitive topics with young people, whilst developing trust and strengthening the therapeutic relationship.

The course covers:

  • ways of adapting art therapy practice for work with young people exhibiting signs of self-harm and/or expressing suicidal ideation
  • how awareness and open discussion of self-harm can complement practitioners’ existing skills
  • signposting to recognised training, further research and organisations who can further inform on this specialist topic

How you will learn

Learning will be through presentations, case studies, videos, discussion groups, and the opportunity to experience a variety of art therapy resources.

Also of interest

You may also be interested to read our evidence page on art therapy and self-harm.

Learn more

Tutor

Jacqui McKoy-Lewens and Dr Sarah Haywood

Frequently asked questions