Working therapeutically with a child or young person who is self-harming or experiencing suicidal distress can bring complex questions about meaning, risk, safety and how best to respond. Practitioners may find themselves balancing the therapeutic relationship with safeguarding responsibilities, while trying to understand what the young person may be communicating through their distress.

This two-hour webinar offers a compassionate, trauma-informed and relational approach to understanding self-harm and suicidal distress in children and young people. We will explore the important relationship between self-harm and suicide, while recognising that they are not the same thing.

Gemma and Jessica will explore what may sit behind self-harm and suicidal thoughts, considering the different ways distress can present and the possible functions or meanings these experiences may have for a young person. We will consider how understanding the young person's experience can inform therapeutic responses without losing sight of safety.

A key focus will be on the therapeutic relationship and how practitioners can stay curious, connected and compassionate when conversations become difficult. We will explore how to ask directly and sensitively about self-harm and suicide, respond to disclosures, think about risk and safety, and navigate safeguarding and appropriate escalation.

The webinar will also consider the role of connection, regulation and trusted relationships in supporting young people experiencing significant distress. A trauma-informed and relational perspective will underpin the session, alongside practical consideration of professional boundaries, consultation and safeguarding responsibilities.

The session is particularly relevant to therapists, counsellors and other practitioners working therapeutically or directly with children and young people. It will also be relevant to professionals across education, health, social care, youth services, fostering and the voluntary sector.

This is an opportunity to deepen understanding, build confidence and develop a more compassionate and thoughtful approach to working with young people who are struggling.

Description supplied by the event organiser.