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Clin Soc Work J (2007) 35:6970
DOI 10.1007/s10615-006-0071-3
BOOK REVIEW
Barent W. Walsh, Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide
Guilford Press, New York, 2006, 317 pp, $35.00
Melissa D. Grady
Published online: 9 January 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007
Joseph preferred to harm himself outside, usually deep in the woods. He stated, I usually burn or scratch myself behind my familys barn. I go far away where its peaceful and quiet. When I hurt myself I get quiet inside, just like it is on the outside. Then I tend to feel good for a while. Its my one peaceful place. (Walsh, 2006, p. 95)
Josephs story is just one of the many case examples Barent Walsh includes in his book, Treating self-injury: A practical guide (2006) to illustrate the complexities of self-injurious behaviors (SIB). Walsh presents a comprehensive manual written for professionals in which he leads the reader through the intricacies of dening self-injury, delineates the essential components of an accurate assessment, describes the elements of a successful treatment program, and discusses SIB in special populations. Walsh discusses SIB using respectful and nonjudgmental language, encouraging clinicians to fully hear the clients story rather than rushing to action based on initial reactions to the behaviors.
The book is divided into three sections: Part I,Denition and Contexts; Part II, Assessment and Treatment; and Part III, Specialized Topics. The third section covers such issues as managing SIB in a school setting, and treating major self-injury. Although the largest percentage of the book is devoted to the discussion of assessment and treatment, Walsh gives substantial attention to dening SIB and establishing
how these actions differ in intent from either suicidal acts or body modication (e.g., body piercing). Through this process, Walsh enables the reader to understand that the intent of SIB is not to die or to alter the body, but rather to relieve painful feelings(p. 7) with the majority of SIB clients reporting their aim is to relieve too...