OUR SERVICE The service was founded by Psychologist Joan Freeman and - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

OUR SERVICE • The service was founded by Psychologist Joan Freeman and Pieta House opened its doors in January 2006. • Our client base is specifically targeted at people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, people who have attempted to take their lives and people who are engaging in deliberate self harm. • We provide one to one therapy where the foundation is rooted in compassion and care.

THE PIETA WAY • All our Therapists are professionally qualified and accredited and the team is made up of both Psychotherapists and Counselling Psychologists. • Staff are carefully selected and are chosen not alone for their academic qualifications but also for their personal warmth. Receptionists too are given the opportunity to explore myths and facts in relation to self harm and suicide and to confront and clarify their own attitudes and beliefs • The Therapists are trained in the therapeutic models developed by Pieta, where we aim to lift suicidal ideation and in relation to self harm, we aim to move the client from self harm to self care.

USER FRIENDLY • We are aware of the difficulties and negative experiences that people encounter due to the fact they are engaging in self harm or experiencing suicide ideation. Some clients may be embarrassed by the fact that they have attempted suicide or want to take their lives. • However we are also mindful that this could be ourselves, our children or one of our own family at the door, so people are treated in Pieta the way we would want to be treated ourselves. • Clients are offered tea and coffee and the nurturing begins from the time they reach the door

FAMILY SUPPORT • Pieta House recognises the difficulties encountered by the family. Families can be paralysed by fear and parents at times are even reluctant to put boundaries on their children for fear of upsetting them. • We realise that at times the family can be the greatest resource that the client has but they too need to be supported, encouraged and educated as to the appropriate ways to respond. • We provide placements to Psychotherapy Graduates who are working towards accreditation and allow them provide support to family members.

EXPANSION: 8 YEARS, 9 CENTRES • 2006 PH Lucan • 2008 PH Finglas & Tallaght • 2010 PH Limerick • 2011 PH Ballyfermot • April 13 – PH Roscrea • Dec 13 – PH Tuam & PH Cork • Jan 2014 - PH Kerry

WHAT IS SELF-HARM? OPH 2.0

DEFINITION OF SELF-HARM: “The commission of deliberate harm to one's own body. The injury is done to oneself, without the aid of another person, and the injury is severe enough for tissue damage (such as scarring) to result” Source:(Winchel and Stanley (1991), American Journal of Psychiatry ) OPH 2.1

WHY DO PEOPLE SELF-HARM? • Coping with feelings • Relieving guilt and self-hatred • Communication • Control • Feeling ‘real’ and alive OPH 2.2

Features of Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) High levels of: • Emotional Dysregulation • Negative Affect • Self Criticism

Identify the Meaning and Function Goal Identify the Meaning and Function #1 Underlying meaning and function – crucial to identify Could be a range of functions • Eliminate negative emotions, cognitions and affect states • Internal sense of control • Communicate distress (attention needing)

Goal #1: Strategies to Identify Meaning & Functions Goal Strategies #1 Discussion of events leading to DSH Mindful, non-judgemental attitude

Goal #1: Strategies to Identify Meaning & Functions Goal Strategies #1 Discuss what has helped them in the past Discussion around moods and thoughts

Positive Alternative Strategies Goal Present alternative coping methods #2 As DSH is a means of coping for the client, a key focus within therapy is a focus on presenting and developing alternative coping strategies Talking (to a friend, a counsellor), writing (letters, poems, journal), art (drawing, painting), exercise (walking, running), physical expression (smashing, hitting something safely, shouting, crying), relaxation, self-nurture.

Positive Alternative Strategies Talking Physical Expression to a friend, a counsellor, on Smashing, hitting something the phone safely, shouting, crying Writing Relaxation Letters, poems, journal Warm bath, aromatherapy Art Self-nurture Drawing, painting Activities, use of affirmations Exercise Walking, running

Cover up self-harm Available to buy in your nearest Pieta House or any bookstore

Darkness into Light 7 th May @ 4.15am

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