Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents
Description
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is predominantly described as an act of deliberate destruction of one’s own body tissue without any suicidal intent, and for reasons not socially sanctioned (Nock, 2010; Nock & Favazza, 2009). Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors are particularly concerning to clinicians due to the adverse and potentially fatal consequences they are associated with, including NSSI being a risk factor for future suicide attempts (i.e., Klonsky, May & Glenn, 2013). At the same time, helping providers understand the implications of these behaviors and how to respond can make a difference in teens and families’ lives. This workshop aims to provide participants with an overview of NSSI including what it is and how it is distinct from suicidal behavior, research on risk factors and characteristics of youth who self-harm, how to assess NSSI, why youth engage in this behavior (the functions NSSI serves), and how to respond in the moment when discovering NSSI as well as referral for evidence-based treatments for NSSI in youth (e.g., DBT).
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to define NSSI and the differences between NSSI and suicidal behavior
- Participants will be able to describe at least two common functions of NSSI
- Participants will be able to explain theory as to why teens may engage in NSSI (using biosocial theory from Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Instructor Bio
Julia Brillante, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist at the Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and currently teaches the Fundamentals of DBT course at Rutgers GSAPP. Dr. Brillante specializes in working with children, teens and families who struggle with anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, self harm and/or suicidal thoughts and behavior, and coping with trauma. She has expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as extensive training in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for adolescents with depression. Dr. Brillante is passionate about working with bicultural and multiracial families to address concerns including discrimination based on identities, and exploring one’s individual values while navigating cultural expectations. She is committed to using evidence-based techniques, coupled with a compassionate and collaborative approach that helps individuals and families build lives worth living.
Dr. Brillante earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), with a concentration in children, adolescents & families, and her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. She was intensively trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech, and completed specialized training at Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants (CBC) and Zucker Hillside Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s Adolescent Inpatient Unit. Dr. Brillante is licensed to provide services to clients residing in New Jersey, New York, and all PSYPACT participating States.
Dr. Brillante has no coflicts of interest for this webinar.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Policy:
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content