MATTHEW McNUTT

INSIDE A CUTTER’S MIND: UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THOSE WHO SELF-INJURE

By Jerusha Clark with Dr. Earl Henslin; TH1NK Books, 2007, 240 pp., $12.99

Clark and Henslin have put together an incredible book on the topic of self-injury. This is an issue where it seems many have very little knowledge and a great deal of confusion, yet at the same time, if statistics are at all accurate, we all most likely have teens and adults in our lives impacted by this very issue. What the authors have put together is a thorough exploration of self injury; they deal with the psychology, the underlying issues, the triggers and shame, and they do it all in such a way that it is very understandable and eye opening. They deal with the myths and misunderstandings that are so common, and also provide great wisdom in how to respond, how to play a role in a self-injurer’s recovery, and what methods of treatment are out there. This is a must have for anyone working with young people today. It is well written, thoroughly researched and very relevant.

This review, by me, was originally published in the Journal of Student Ministries.