Experiences of accessing psychological therapies for self‐harm: A qualitative study of stakeholders' perspectives
Tara Chauhan, Kamelia Harris, Isabel Adeyemi, Cameron Latham, Catherine Robinson, Stephen Kellett, Peter TaylorAbstract
Objectives
While rates of self‐harm are rising in the United Kingdom, people who self‐harm can often struggle to access appropriate treatment. This study sought to explore adult stakeholders’ perspectives and experiences of the barriers to, and facilitators of, accessing support for self‐harm and also how services could be better tailored to meet needs.
Design
A cross‐sectional qualitative study.
Methods
Semi‐structured interviews were conducted remotely with 19 participants in the United Kingdom, including 10 individuals with lived experience of self‐harm and nine mental health professionals that worked with people who self‐harm. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used as a guiding framework throughout the study.
Results
Both stakeholder groups felt that services did not offer appropriate support; there were system‐level challenges and a sense of associated powerlessness. It was important to understand the person behind the behaviour, as a lack of understanding was reported to increase feelings of shame. Services that prioritise person‐centred care, expert‐by‐experience involvement and early intervention were valued. Professionals outlined the positives of brief interventions, while individuals who self‐harm held concerns about whether briefer interventions addressed complex difficulties.
Conclusions
Findings highlight important organisational barriers and potential facilitators that individuals who self‐harm may face when accessing psychological interventions. Results prompt the need for inclusive and easily accessible services.