Non Suicidal Self Injury 

Using a Trauma-Informed Lens to Better Support

 Youth who Engage in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Hosted by San Diego Center for Children

 Presented By: Jacquelyn Christensen, PhD

This intermediate level training examines the complex nature of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents through a developmental and trauma-informed lens. Didactic lecture, group discussion and activities, and video will be used to help participants identify NSSI, contributing risk factors, and the critical role of trauma. Additionally, the various functions of NSSI will be described, emphasizing individual differences and the needs met for the individual by the behavior. Core tenets of the three clinical steps of the NeuroRelational Framework (Lillas & Turnbull, 2009) and principles of allostasis and allostatic load (McEwen) will be used to inform the “bottom up” and “top down” considerations of assessing and treating individuals who engage in NSSI. Social emotional development as viewed through dyadic interaction is discussed in terms of how relationships can support reducing NSSI.

 

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify characteristics of behavior and motivation to help differentiate between suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior.
2. Explain the various regulatory and communicative functions of nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescence.
3. Describe strategies for assessing and addressing engagement quality as part of treating youth who engage in NSSI.
4. Discuss risk factors and trauma-informed treatment considerations when working with self-harming adolescents.  
5. Use “bottom-up” and “top-down” strategies to assess and treat self-injurious behaviors, including assessing for states of physiological arousal and potential patterns of toxic stress patterns.

 

Presenter Bio:

Jacquelyn Christensen, PhD is a developmental psychologist and evaluation consultant with over 16 years of experience working with non-profit, community mental health organizations. Current evaluation projects include multiple-site evaluations and spearheading collaborative research with Dr. Connie Lillas and the NRF Institute, as well as piloting a therapeutic curriculum addressing bullying called Empowerment Space. She is passionate about promoting trauma-informed practice and interdisciplinary collaboration in children’s mental health care through cross-sector training throughout California. Beginning in 2017, she has participated in training over 1200 child welfare providers at DCFS offices across LA County in how to identify toxic stress in young children and families. This year, she is working closely with Volunteers of America to train over 400 Head Start teachers and staff and provide in-depth support bringing trauma-informed elements to their programs. She teaches as adjunct faculty at Pitzer College and Woodbury University.  Dr. Christensen received her degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, and her current research area focuses on stress, trauma, sensory processing, and therapeutic technology.

 

 

This course is designed for Licensed clinicians to meet BBS CEU requirements therefore attendance of licensed staff will be prioritized.  Unlicensed staff may attend if space allows.  

Participant Materials: Participant materials will include PowerPoint handouts. 

Course Fee: Cost is $100 per participant and will be allocated directly to each staff member's program.  

Cancellation Policy: If a staff member wishes to cancel their registration, they must notify the contact person via email at least two (2) business days in advance of the training.  

Accomodation Requests: If any accommodations are needed, please notify the training contact person. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least two (2) business days prior to the training.

Continuing Education: This course meets the qualifications for six (6) hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences. SDCC is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for said credentials (Provider # 137117). SDCC maintains responsibility for this course and its content. 

SDCC's QA Department typically provides continuing education certificates within two (2) business days following receipt of all required training materials (e.g., complete attendance sheet, evaluations, trainer's CV, and training agenda and objectives). If you need your certificate prior to that timeframe, please contact the training organizer or SDCC's QA Department at 858-569-2199 or 858-569-3936. 

Grievances: Any grievances regarding the registration process or this course can be directed to SDCC's Director of Quality Assurance, Misty Howard, at 858-569-2199 or mhoward@centerforchildren.org. 

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