Cutting by Steven Levenkron

Probably the best psychological book I have ever read. The book describes the practise, reasoning and treatment of cutting. Where does self mutilation come from? Why do people do hurt themselves on purpose? What do they get out of it? The great questions answered plainly in the book through case study and hypothesis.

Think of the act of self mutilation as a painting or performance. The act is an expression, a release from all the horrors that exists within these people, 80% of which are female. The act is very symbolic and even the way it is done and how it is presented all mean something.

If there is one thing I have learned in my brief study of the psychological deviance in people is that the mind and body will always express itself, no matter what. I do not care what it is, how long ago it was or how insignificant it may be. The mind will work through the body to express how it is dealing with the world. It may come out harmlessly or very harmfully, it is all dependant on the person. There are even cases within the book where the individual would cut themselves subconsciously, waking up on the side of the road bleeding and no memory of how she got there.

In self mutilation the expression is felt in several ways, the pain and the visual representation. The burning accompanied with the blistering or bubbling skin, the cut associated with the blood dripping from the skin. All very powerful representations of the mental turmoil living withing the people. I have known some to make burn drawing in there skin or scaring in the form of a picture represented of there pain. It is amazing what the body will do to try to find peace.

Sadly the pain and scaring is more akin to addiction then actual expression. Though the client may feel better it is for a fleeting moment and provides no real release but in actuality perpetuates the inner torment as the individual realises what they have come to. It is a vicious cycle that can only be broken with years of treatment.

Again, like most books in the psychological realm you have to read through the ego of the writer letting them love themselves every few pages to get to the good stuff but it was worth it. A very good book, simply written that would allow all interested in the subject to finish with a sound understanding of the topic