Exploring a professional perspective of people engaging in deliberate self-harm in Malta

Abstract

This research study was aimed at exploring the phenomenon of people engaging in deliberate, self harm; from a professional perspective within the local context. It made use of a qualitative, phenomenological design, including interviews and thematic data analysis, for detailed descriptions of experiences. Emerging ideas involved the identification of self harming behaviour, categories of diverse clients, and the variety of reasons that lead them to self harm. Although psychopathology is sometimes implied it is not always the case. Highlighted is the essentiality of teamwork, and motivation; coming from both the psychologist and client. The responsibilities involved in building an alliance with client, one of trust and the teaching of tools, which serve to reduce the frequency of the behaviour. Ultimately experience is crucial; being empathic and creative in leading clients to express what has been left unarticulated bywords.