Bartley Rock
Occupational Therapist
The Challenge
A client was self-harming as a way of managing significant stresses and the existing techniques from psychologists etc, such as rubber bands, weren't working, further increasing distress.
The Change
On talking with the client I noted there were strong visual sensory preferences. When asked what they 'gained' from self harm, they stated 'I need to see blood'. So, we filled a small tupperware with red food colouring to provide the same feedback.
The Impact
The result was immediate with the client stating 'That's it! That's what I see!'. Carrying the food colouring in the tupperware allowed them to safely manage stress. The client now carries it with them at all times and it has reduced self harm by 80%
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