This book investigates the underlying psychological and social drivers of self-harm in young women through the lens of psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Fiona Gardner, a practitioner in the field, utilizes extensive clinical case studies to bridge the gap between individual emotional suffering and broader cultural influences. The text provides a structured framework for clinicians to understand the function of self-harm as a coping mechanism for internal distress.

Experts and practitioners value this work for its specific focus on the psychoanalytical approach to self-injury. Readers frequently note the clinical depth of the material, making it a useful resource for those working directly with vulnerable populations.