What Most People Get Wrong About Self-Injury with Amanda Beausoleil, founder of Self Injury Recovery and Awareness (SIRA)

Self-injury is not about seeking attention. It’s often a desperate attempt to survive. In this episode, Amanda Beausoleil, founder of Self Injury Recovery and Awareness (SIRA), shares her personal journey with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and her mission to build a global support network for those affected. She clarifies how NSSI differs from suicide attempts, describing it as a coping mechanism for emotional regulation rather than suicidal intent. Motivated by a lack of professional understanding, Amanda created SIRA to provide online peer support, education, and community resources for people of all ages and backgrounds. She also introduces SIRA’s upcoming six-week program focused on resilience, adaptability, and emotional awareness, supported by technology to expand global access for clinicians and individuals.Tune in and learn how lived experience, empathy, and innovation are transforming the conversation around self-injury and mental health recovery! Resources: Connect with and follow Amanda Beausoleil on LinkedIn. Follow SIRA on LinkedIn and explore their website.  Browse Self-Injury Education Resources (free) here. If you have a lived experience, attend a meeting with the SIRA team here. If you are a psychology student or a therapist, you can make a donation here.