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Meet Asher – a teenager who self-harms to manage their feelings when it all feels like too much.

The latest in the best-selling Can I Tell You About… series describes what self-harm is, along with the wide range of behaviours that qualify, why teens do it, and how to get help if you feel the need to self-harm. Reflecting on the different aspects of self-harming behaviour, including treatment of injuries and scars, this concise introduction dispels common myths and offers helpful resources to break the cycle of self-harm. By initiating the conversation around self-harm, this guide will offer alternative avenues for children and young adults to pursue when dealing with big feelings, such as professional counselling, distraction, and friends and family.

This easy-to-read guide is suitable for readers 7+, along with their parents, teachers, and friends. All author royalties from the book will go towards the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.

Reviews

Steven Walker MPhil, author of Responding to Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents, 2012
Pooky Knightsmith writes in an engaging, accessible style in straightforward language which oozes compassion and heart. Young people, families and professionals will find this a valuable tool to help them understand, cope with and start a journey of recovery from self-harm.
Shamyla Naveed, Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner
Truly insightful ... Captures all the questions we have about self-harm.
Maxine Jameson, Associate Professor in Primary Care, London South Bank University
This small book enables us to understand the complexities of self-harm and is essential reading for anyone trying to overcome self-harming behaviour, as well as their families, friends, teachers and health care professionals.
Clare Roberts, Director of Mental Health & Wellbeing, The Magna Carta School, Surrey
When understanding of self-harm is limited and time is tight, this must be the first book to read. A 'must have' for every school wellbeing library.
Dr Lucy Willetts, Clinical Psychologist
Sensitively written ... It covers a subject that is still commonly not talked about and I am sure it will encourage families and schools to have a more open dialogue about self-harm.
Anna Corbett, Registered Nurse, School Nurse
Self-harm explained in a voice that is honest, frank, encouraging and informative. Advice for day-to-day challenges is clear and feasible to try.
Caro Fenice, Housemistress, Cobham Hall School
Written in Pooky's warm and approachable style ... a must-have in any wellbeing library and an excellent resource for adults and young people alike.
Colin Gambles, Rector at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow
Pooky has a knack of taking really complex situations and making them seen easier to deal with and matter-of-fact. Great advice here for anyone whose life is touched by self-harm.