Session 1 – Why our Children Self-Harm

In this session with insights from marriage and family therapist Jenna Riemersma, she discusses how to support a child who is self-harming. Parents should approach the situation with understanding and empathy. Key actions include creating a safe space for open communication, seeking professional help, and developing a safety plan together.

Parents learn to educate themselves about self-harm and its triggers, remove potential self-harm tools from the home, and encourage healthy coping mechanisms like hobbies or exercise. Monitoring your child’s emotional state, fostering positive relationships, and staying connected are essential for ongoing support. Building a strong support network and promoting self-care routines can also help in managing and reducing self-harming behaviors.