CTRI ACHIEVE

Children and Youth Workshops

Self-Injury Behaviour in Youth

Issues and Strategies

Self-injury is a coping behaviour that signals deep distress. This training helps helpers understand causes and respond with safe, supportive strategies.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Understanding and Responding to Self-Injury in Youth

Self-injury refers to deliberate, self-inflicted tissue damage such as cutting or burning. Self-injury has reached alarming proportions among our youth; studies show that 14-24% of adolescents and young adults have engaged in this behaviour at least once, with a quarter of these reporting current, chronic self-injury. Helpers are increasingly encountering young people who are involved with self-injury. This workshop will assist participants in understanding the experience and motivations of adolescents who intentionally injure themselves. In addition, practical strategies for working with youth struggling with this complex issue will be presented. Participants of this training will increase their insight regarding self-injury behaviour in youth and be provided with a framework for effective intervention.

Learning Objectives

Understand common aspects of self-injury including causes, warning signs, and how it helps

Distinguish self-injury from suicide attempts

Identify how to best respond to an individual who is self-injuring

Apply skills: assessment, emotion identification, replacement skills, and cognitive strategies

Know how to respond to self-injury relapses and the issue of contagion

12,500+

Professionals Trained

4.7 Stars

Trustpilot Rating

500+

Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Most Popular

On-Demand Workshop

Recorded workshop for flexible, self‑paced learning.

$269

/ per person

Start right away – no scheduling required

Learn at your own pace, in manageable sections

Follow along with a full downloadable manual

Earn a certificate and continuing education credits

Access anytime, on any device

Share access across your team for consistent learning

Live Virtual Workshop

Interactive sessions with experienced facilitators.

From $459

/ per person

Learn from an experienced facilitator

Ask questions and get real-time guidance

Connect and learn alongside peers

Engage in discussions and practical exercises

Earn 6 CECs per day of training

Receive a certificate upon completion

View Upcoming Dates

Personalized training solutions for your team.

Starting at

$3500 per day

per session

Additional Options

On-Demand Webinar

Condensed training in a video format.

Standalone written learning resource.

What You'll Learn

Walk away with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. The objectives below outline what you'll be equipped to do after completing this training.

Understand Self-Injury Behaviour

Learn why youth self-injure.

Recognize Warning Signs

Identify risk indicators.

Safety Planning

Create supportive plans.

Teach Coping Skills

Provide alternatives to self-injury.

Support Families

Guide caregivers.

Promote Recovery

Pathways to healing.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

It's not always easy to facilitate a six-hour session, but it flew by. Perfectly timed, packed with useful, relevant information, curated to address the unique needs of our group."

K. Decle

University of British Columbia, Office of Student Academic Services

"

This was one of the best trainings our organization has had. Staff were so engaged and came away energized and excited rather than tired and drained."

T. Etienne

Portal Youth Outreach Association

"

CTRI is a great source for learning. They were easy to work with and our facilitator presented in an engaging and interactive way that kept people interested and attentive."

J. Grimes

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the training.

This training is for:

Mental health professionals

Social services and community‑based professionals

First responders and emergency services

Health care workers and support staff

School and post‑secondary personnel

Leaders, managers, and supervisors

Human resources and people operations teams

Employees in corporate or business settings

Anyone working in people‑centred or support roles

What does this training cover?

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This workshop helps helpers understand why youth engage in self-injury, how to recognize warning signs, and how to respond safely, compassionately, and effectively – including safety planning and connecting to support.

Who is this training for?

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This training is designed for educators, counsellors, social workers, youth workers, health care providers, and anyone supporting young people at risk of self-injury.

Is self-injury the same as a suicide attempt?

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No – though the workshop addresses both. Self-injury is often a coping behaviour rather than a wish to die, though it can co-occur with suicidal thoughts. Understanding the difference is part of this training.

Does this training include safety planning?

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Yes. Creating supportive safety plans that address both immediate risk and longer-term coping is a core part of this workshop.

Is this training available online or privately?

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Yes. CTRI offers this workshop in live, on-demand, and private formats. This is frequently requested by schools and youth-serving agencies. Contact us to arrange a session.

Does this training address how to talk with parents and caregivers?

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Yes. Supporting and communicating with families is included as an important element of responding to self-injury in youth.

Support Youth Experiencing Self-Injury

Learn how to respond to self-injury in youth with safety, compassion, and practical skill. View training options or bring this workshop to your team.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included