Re-release: Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

^{We are hard at work on upcoming episodes and are sharing one of our favourite episodes from Season 2.}

In BC, approximately 1 in 6₍₁₎ youth engage in self-harm. Self-harm, also referred to as self-injury, is a behaviour used to cope with bigger, underlying emotions – and is also a behaviour that many parents and other caring adults are understandably concerned about. In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm and a clinical counsellor, Kim Leifso, who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.

This episode was a collaboration between BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and FamilySmart. You can read the full transcript for the episode here .

EPISODE RESOURCES:

App - Calm Harm
FamilySmart Video - Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know You Podcast
Website - Youth in BC
Website - Self Injury Outreach and Support

Introducing this episode's FamilySmart guest-host: Victoria Keddis!

Victoria is a Mom. She also works with FamilySmart an organization committed to making things better for children, youth and young adults with mental health challenges and their families and other caring adults.

^{(1) BC Adolescent Health Survey,}^{McCreary Centre Society}^{, 2018}

Guest bios

Kim Leifso

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Kim Leifso has been working with teens for over 20 years, and has spent much of her career working specifically with children and youth struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. She is currently working as an Intervention Specialist at Vanguard Secondary School in Langley, BC. Over the years, Kim has worked with children, youth, families, and couples involving a multitude of mental health issues and other challenges. Kim is also an experienced facilitator and has been invited to provide workshops and training for Corrections Canada, 9-1-1 Operators, RCMP, Doctors of BC, various Public and Private School Districts, and much more. She also works as a Violent Threat Risk Assessment trainer with Safer Schools Together. Kim holds a Master's of Education in Counselling from the UBC, is a Registered Clinical Counselor, and a member of the American Association of Suicidology.

FamilySmart®, Youth in Residence

We are joined by a FamilySmart® Youth in Residence who provides peer-support, resources, and system navigation to families and young people across BC. They understand the effect that mental health challenges can have on young people and families, and help to support those who are struggling.

Where You Are | S3 EE9 | June 29, 2022

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This episode explores a range of topics including setting limits with your child, connecting with teens, and managing tough conversations with your child.

Where You Are | S3 EE8 | June 1, 2022

Anxiety in Youth: Malia Baker’s Recovery and Road to Fame

In this episode you will hear about 14-year-old Malia Baker and the important role her mother and sister played in helping her manage symptoms with anxiety.

Where You Are | S3 EE7 | May 11, 2022

Substance Use: Talking alcohol, vaping & other drugs with your kids

Learn the basics of substance use and staying connected with our kids, and how you can help your child develop the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about vaping, alcohol and other drugs as they grow.

Where You Are | S3 EE6 | April 20, 2022

Re-release: Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.

Where You Are | S3 EE5 | March 30, 2022

A Mindful Approach to Parenting & Caregiving

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Where You Are | S3 EE4 | February 16, 2022

Re-Release: When Parenting Gets Tough...

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Where You Are | S3 EE3 | January 26, 2022

Benefits for Life: Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years

Join Bryn and Michelle as they take a closer look at social and emotional development (SED) in the early years, including what it is, how you can support your child’s SED, and how these skills will benefit them for life.

Where You Are | S3 EE2 | January 5, 2022

When School Staff Are Well, Students Are Too - Strategies To Avoid Burnout

Listen to strategies school professionals can use to support their own well-being, support each other’s well-being, and engage at a system’s level to keep staff well-being a priority for mental health and wellness— all of which contributes to student health and achievement.

Where You Are | S3 EE1 | December 8, 2021

Eating Disorders: How Parents Can Play an Active Role in Recovery

In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder.

Re-release: Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

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