Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Harm

Workshop Introduction

Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the deliberate act of injuring one’s body, often as a way to cope with intense emotional pain such as sadness, anger, or stress. Self-harm is a sign of underlying emotional distress or an associated mental health condition.

The Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Harm workshop offers mental health professionals a practical, trauma-informed approach to understanding and treating self-harm.

The workshop covers the DSM-5-TR, neurobiology, and a self-regulation model and looks at why individuals engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and how to clearly distinguish it from suicidal behaviour.

Participants will learn how to conduct assessments, create trauma-informed case formulations, and use intervention strategies in their clinical work.

The workshop ends by looking into risk management, ethical aspects, and socio-cultural factors relevant to NSSI in the South African context. It equips mental health practitioners with tools they can apply right away in therapy.

Overview

• Understanding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the DSM-5 TR
• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as Self-Regulation
• Neurological Pathways
• Demographics & South African Context
• Assessment & Formulation
• Intervention Strategies
• Ethical & Professional Considerations
• Resources and Key Takeaways

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Clearly define non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
• Understand how non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is classified in the DSM-5-TR.
• Conceptualise non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) through a self-regulation lens.
• Describe the neurological processes involved in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
• Recognise how trauma, developmental factors, and socio-cultural influences.
• Conduct function-focused, trauma-informed assessments and develop clear case formulations.
• Apply best-practice clinical thinking.
• Implement practical, evidence-informed intervention strategies in therapeutic settings.
• Navigate ethical and professional considerations related to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
• Use practical tools such as the NSSI Regulation Mapping Worksheet to support clinical work.

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for psychologists, mental health practitioners and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026: on demand

Participants can register at any time and move through the workshop content. Watch the live workshop recording and complete the online journal articles and multiple-choice questionnaire.

NOTE: HPCSA registered professionals who want to claim 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] need to complete the online assessment within 5 days after registering.

Workshop Presenter

Anita Kriel is a Clinical Psychologist by profession. She has dual master’s degrees in clinical psychology and research psychology, and has published in local and international journals. Anita spent over 20 years in private practice and, in 2023, took on a full-time position at SACAP as an Educator.

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.