Healing the Hurt Within: Understand Self-injury and Self-harm, and Heal the Emotional Wounds

"Wow, quite a spetacular book! Written with such understanding and with such indepth knowledge it is one of the best self harm books on the market. Each section is broken up into small chapters so although the book is the size of a textbook it is very easy to read. Jan has written this in simple language that is easy to understand, whilst still using research to back up her claims and ideas. It is therefore an essential read for mental health professionals.
It provides the voice of the sufferer throughout, with the help of poetry, stories and pictures. Thats what makes it so different it doesn't speak from the medical model or the social model, it is simply the voice of the self harmers and the authour Jan has simply provided a space for this to be heard.
Alot of new ideas about self harm are sensitivley discussed and explored. This book really is extensive and deals with every aspect of self harm including help for friends and family.

It is a book that comforts me, understands me, accepts me and believes in my battle for recovery.
I hope you find the same in your copy!
"
~ Written on 2007-12-22

"Excellent for both family, counsellors, self-harmers, parents - It really helps to know more"
~ Written on 2006-11-09

"A very comprehensive book that reaches out to those who self-injure and informs those, that are interested in the topic alike.
The book features a "cycle of self injury", which is most helpful in terms of defining the urge prior to SI and explaining how the cycle works and what changes need to be made in order to stop the process.
However, something that makes this book different from all the others, is how the author is able to relate to people, who struggle with the issue, and who took the time to write in her own words a "plea on behalf of those who self injure", which is a response to the many poems of self injurers, some of which are also included in the book. Thus, she creates an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance...and most important...hope."
~ Written on 2006-11-04

"Jan Sutton is a long-time advocate for the enhanced understanding and treatment of self-injury. She operates two websites devoted to the topic, including the highly recommended www.siari.co.uk. The second edition of “Healing the Hurt Within” is an important resource for self-injurers and their significant others. Starting with the attractive artwork on the cover by a self-injurer in recovery, the book is unique in giving self-injurers an equal voice in presenting their stories. The book is replete with poems, artwork, and autobiographical stories about dealing with self-injury. Many of the stories are evocative and inspirational.

Ms. Sutton has years of experience as a counselor and she offers a great deal of sound advice for those who want to recover from self-injury. She clearly differentiates self-injury from suicide and offers an interesting explanation regarding “the repetitive cycle of self-injury.” Ms. Sutton is particularly knowledgeable about self-injurers who have experienced trauma and she writes about this subject with great sensitivity and skill.

Perhaps most importantly, she offers many suggestions regarding “healing hints” that can help individuals deal with their emotional distress without resorting to self-injury. In addition, the book offers an extensive list of resources that may be helpful to self-injurers. This book is highly recommended for self-injurers, their significant others, and professionals who work with them.

Barent Walsh, Author of “Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide.”"
~ Written on 2006-01-29

"Healing the Hurt Within – Understand self-injury and self-harm, and heal the emotional wounds
This book leads the way to understanding what self-harm means for those who find themselves locked into self-harming coping strategies and for professionals working with them. It is packed with up-to-the-minute research data and support resources but is nevertheless written with the utmost respect and compassion for people who self-injure.
Using individual contributions and case studies, Jan provides a balanced overview of key therapeutic concerns. Helpful and unhelpful aspects of therapy are considered, and therapists are reminded to be aware of secondary trauma. Jan has also not been afraid to discuss controversial subjects like False Memory Syndrome and also includes a chapter on eating distress.
Case studies, interviews and illustrations are used throughout the book as powerful and moving demonstrations of the personal impact of experiencing or working with those who self-harm. Helpful healing responses and tips and strategies are also included both for those who self-harm and their supporters.
Healing the Hurt Within is a vital resource and support for anyone who is struggling with understanding what self-injury means and the role it plays in their or another’s life. Through the pages of her book, Jan allows the silenced voices to speak out."
~ Written on 2006-01-06