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Topic: Self-Mutilation Behavior in Youth and Adults: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Place: Clarion Hotel and Towers, Edison, NJ
Date: Friday, June 23, 2006
Time: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Presented by Joseph Shannon, PhD

I thought this seminar was very informative and served as an eye opener to professionals in looking into the several issues involved in this kind of self-destructive behavior. Dr. Shannon made a very comprehensive presentation of the types of self-mutilation, which can make one wonder and feel struck over the possibilities of the human mind to look for those kinds of resources to deal with pain. The causes of self-mutilation were addressed which in their various forms serve the purpose of covering or avoiding emotional pain. We also learned different prevention techniques and treatment strategies, which can help the person to focus on his/her own difficulties and be more in touch with reality rather than detached from it.

Throughout the seminar, while listening to the presentation, I wondered where God was in all that. The presenter mentioned briefly the positive impact of a spiritual life in prolonging and making people’s lives happier. Certainly this seminar as a learning experience will serve me very well in my profession. However, the most important part of my work will be to have
God as the focus of people’s lives. With Him all things are possible.


Berenice S. La Motta, LSW
PCCK Staff Counselor