Helping Teens Who Cut: Using DBT Skills to End Self-Injury

Discovering that your teen “cuts” is every parent's nightmare. Your most urgent question is: "How can I make it stop?" Tens of thousands of worried parents have turned to this authoritative guide for information and practical guidance about the growing problem of teen self-injury.

Dr. Michael Hollander is a leading expert on dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), the most effective treatment approach for cutting. Vivid stories illustrate how out-of-control emotions lead some teens to hurt themselves, how DBT can help, and what other approaches can be beneficial. You'll learn practical strategies for talking to teens about self-injury without making it worse, teaching them skills to cope with extreme emotions in a healthier way, finding the right therapist, and helping reduce stress for your whole family.

Incorporating the latest research, the second edition offers a deeper understanding of the causes of self-injury and includes new DBT skills.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Kids Who Deliberately Hurt Themselves

I. Understanding Self-Injury

1. Fact versus Fiction: Bringing Self-Injury into the Light
2. What Sets the Stage for Self-Injury?
3. How Does Hurting Themselves Make Some Kids Feel Better?
4. DBT: The Right Therapy for Your Teen

II. Helping Your Teen in Treatment and at Home

5. Making the Most of DBT
6. Resetting the Stage: How to Help Your Teen Restore Emotion to Its Proper Place
7. Writing a Better Script: New Ways to Discourage Self-Injury
8. Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Your Teen
9. How to Speak with Siblings, Friends, and the School about Your Child’s Troubles

Appendix A. Effectiveness of Adolescent Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

Appendix B. Intensive Treatment Programs

Resources: Websites Related to Self-Injury

"This book debunks myths about cutting and delves deeply into the important information and skills that both teens and parents need to conquer it. Instead of sidelining parents, Dr. Hollander welcomes them into the treatment. He explains how DBT works, how to select and communicate with a therapist, and, best of all, how parents can learn and practice DBT skills along with their kids, for even better results."
- Martha B. Straus, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, Antioch University New England

"An invaluable resource for parents!"
- arsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP, Professor and Director, Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, University of Washington; developer of DBT

"Dr. Hollander's compassion and knowledge stem from years of experience with families. In addition to his lucid explanation of DBT principles, I value his wise suggestions for helping siblings, extended family, friends, and school personnel deal with a teen's self-injury. I recommend this book first to parents struggling to help self-injuring children."
- Barent W. Walsh, PhD, Executive Director, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts

"Dr. Hollander is wise and empathic. In the second edition of his essential book, he provides hopeful, practical treatment recommendations based on the latest science. He gives parents the gift of his insight into a complex and ever-increasing problem."
- Blaise Aguirre, MD, author of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents, Second Edition: What to Do When Your Teen Has BPD