FREE WEBINAR: Understanding self-harm – a practical guide for counsellors

Free CPD Webinar for Counselling Professionals

When clients present with self-harm, are you fully equipped to respond?

Self-harm is one of the most complex and sensitive issues counsellors encounter in practice.

It can feel difficult to assess, challenging to hold, and easy to misunderstand — especially when risk, regulation and ethical responsibility are all in play.

This webinar will help you move from uncertainty → clarity → confident, safe practice.

Develop confidence, clarity and clinical understanding

In this session, you’ll gain a grounded, practical understanding of self-harm — helping you respond with greater confidence, compassion and professional integrity.

Whether you’re newly qualified or experienced in practice, this webinar will strengthen your ability to work safely and effectively with clients presenting with self-harm.

What you'll learn

What self-harm is (and isn't)

A clear understanding of self-harm and the different ways it presents in practice.

Prevalence and context

Insight into how common self-harm is and who it affects.

Self-harm vs suicide

How to distinguish between self-harm and suicidal intent and why this matters clinically.

The neuroscience of self-harm

Understanding the underlying emotional and neurological drivers.

The self-harm continuum

Exploring patterns, severity and how behaviour can shift over time.

Working ethically and safely

Practical guidance on managing risk, maintaining boundaries and practicing with confidence.

Who this webinar is for

This session is designed for: 

• Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. 
• Counsellors in training. 
• Pastoral carers or chaplains supporting those in distress. 
• Professionals wanting to strengthen their understanding of risk and ethical practice.

Why attend? 

At Waverley Abbey College, we are committed to equipping practitioners with both clinical excellence and deep personal awareness. 

Working with self-harm requires more than theory — it requires: 

• Confidence in your decision-making 
• Clarity around risk and responsibility 
• The ability to stay present in complex emotional situations 

This webinar will help you develop all three. 

Reserve your free place

If you want to feel more confident, grounded, and equipped when working with self-harm, this session is for you.

Can’t join live?

Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.

Gain the clarity and confidence you need to respond well — in the moments that matter most.