Self-Harm: A practical, compassionate guide for parents of teens

‘A much-needed resource empowering readers with powerful insights, a road map of practical strategies and above all else hope.’ Karen Young – child & adolescent anxiety specialist    Helping teens and tweens cope when times are tough. Wisdom infused, hope-filled and research driven.   If you have a child who is struggling with self-harm, I want to remind you that you are your child’s greatest advantage. What you do and how you respond matters. This book was written for you and your family. — Michelle Mitchell Self-harm is distressing and difficult for parents and caring adults to understand, as it seems to go against every instinct of self-protection and survival. Author, educator and award-winning speaker Michelle Mitchell has over 20 years’ experience working with and supporting children, parents and carers as they navigate this confronting mental health concern. In this book she combines her experience with the latest research and interviews with experts and families to provide fresh insights into how to prevent, understand and respond to self-harm and digital self-harm. Michelle answers questions like – • Why does my child want to hurt themselves? • What do I say if I suspect self-harm? • How do I manage my child’s safety? • How do I take care of siblings and other family members? • When should I seek support? This unique resource will provide parents with the facts, practical help and comfort they need. ‘Michelle's wisdom, warmth and compassion mirror what is really needed for those who are supporting a young person who is self-harming.’ - Maggie Dent   ‘Michelle has done an incredible job in addressing a very sensitive topic.’ - Collett Smart – psychologist, educator and author     Michelle goes where few have gone before, in tackling the distressing, confusing and fraught issue of self-harm in our young people … Michelle has done us all a great service in bringing us this invaluable title. - Melinda Tankard Reist (Author, Speaker, co-founder Collective Shout)   Michelle … gives a strong and poignant voice, not only to those who are self-harming, but also to the ones who love them. This book traverses that gap. It is an intelligent, thoughtful, and much-needed resource, empowering all who read it with powerful insights, a road map of practical strategies, and above all else, hope.  - Karen Young (Author, Speaker, Parenting and Child & Adolescent Anxiety Specialist)

About the Author :
Michelle’s books and resources have been called an ‘encouraging and guiding light’ for parents and professionals. She has a marvellous way of speaking truth in a way that all appreciate  National Day of Thanks The Importance of Five More Squats Michelle Mitchell says parents should think of a young person’s life like a big gym session (with lots of squats), and a parent like a personal trainer. Just like a personal trainer, a parent needs to help their child develop a tolerance for ‘the burn’ that comes from doing life’s squats. Child Magazine Michelle Mitchell’s book SELF HARM is a much needed really valuable exploration of one of the most misunderstood and frightening behaviours that occurs for many young people on their adolescent journey. Michelle’s wisdom, warmth and compassion mirror what is really needed for those who are supporting a young person who is self-harming. This is a must for families, schools and community organisations that work with young people. Together we can all make a positive difference with really accurate knowledge and understanding that is found is this excellent book. Maggie Dent (Author, Educator and Parents and Resilience Specialist) Parents are often frightened and overwhelmed when they discover their child is self-harming. It is an issue that is not spoken about enough. This book is packed with research, expert advice and very brave personal stories, which will provide many parents with support and hope. Michelle has done an incredible job in addressing a very sensitive topic.