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The significance of a sense of being in control for young people who received counselling for self‐harm

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>30/09/2023
<mark>Journal</mark>Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
Issue number3
Volume23
Number of pages11
Pages (from-to)790-800
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date26/05/23
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Background
Instances of self-harm by young people are rising and are an increasing challenge for healthcare and mental health services. Young people's negative experiences of accessing help and support when they self-harm are a contributing factor to them not seeking help in future episodes.

Method
Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 young people aged 17–20 years old who had received therapy relating to self-harm from a National Health Service (NHS) Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service in the East of England. The data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis.

Findings and Discussion
This study provides a new understanding of how a greater sense of feeling in control over their lives is a common goal for therapy for young people who self-harm. This investigation also shows that gaining understanding or reclaiming a sense of being in control results in the young person experiencing the therapy in a positive light and assessing it as successful. The results also show that an increased sense of being in control is sometimes overlooked and a missing aspect of therapy with young people who self-harm.