For parents: Stages of change, signs of progress and how to support your child


Stages of Change

As your child recovers from self-injury, they will move through stages marked by changes and shifts in attitudes and behaviours.

Although the depiction here is of a line, this process usually does not happen in a linear way—your child may move back and forth between stages as they recover, so what you might percieve as setbacks are normal!

This infographic is intended to help you learn how your child is growing through this process, and how to best support them as they do so.


Moratorium

Your child lacks awareness or interest in change.

Signs of Progress

Support

How to support

What to avoid


Awareness

Your child has a growing sense of awareness of how self-injury is affecting their life and others—but they are still using self-injury to cope.

Signs of Progress

How to support

What to avoid


Preparation

Your child is beginning to recognize the need to change, and has a growing desire to change

Signs of Progress

How to support

What to avoid

Reminder

Self-injury recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line, your child may cycle through phases (move backward and forward again) throughout their recovery.


Rebuilding / Action

Your child is taking regular steps to change, with an increasing amount of success!

Signs of Progress

How to support

What to avoid


Stability

Your child has been self-injury-free for one year!

Signs of Success

How to support

Remember

Self-injury can come and go, and it is not uncommon for someone to experience a relapse at this stage—if this happens, all is not lost and you should encourage and support your child with getting back on track


Secure

Self-injury-free for 5+ years

Signs of Success

How to Support

Generally, if someone makes it five years without injuring, the chances that they will suffer a major relapse are slim.