Skip to main content
. 2026 Jan 30;20:29. doi: 10.1186/s13034-026-01036-1

Table 2.

Arrangements for “Courses for Guardians” classes

Weeks Thematic Objectives Main elements and methodology Forms of treatment
1st Building relationships of trust Understanding the patient’s family situation and the purpose of self-injury Building trusting relationships and ensuring that everyone is open to expressing feelings and experiences Questionnaires, interviews, observations
2nd Knowledge transfer Explaining the psychological and physiological mechanisms of NSSI Teaching about NSSI to help the patient’s carers understand the causes and effects of self-injury Group lectures, discussions
3rd Family communication training Enhancing effective communication in the family Instructing the patient’s carers in using communication techniques such as active listening and non-violent communication Mock demonstrations, group lectures
4th Emotional support training Promoting emotional connections in the family Using emotional expression and empathy training Role-playing and simulation exercises
5th Conflict resolution training Avoiding being emotional Learning compromise and co-operation techniques, such as the stop yelling trilogy Group lectures, simulation exercises
6th Establishment of family rules Providing a harmonious and safe family environment Jointly establishing family rules and ensuring consistent enforcement Discussion, written contributions
7th Family interaction Learning how to display love Learning the five languages of love, such as physical touch and exchanging gifts Hands-on
8th Crisis intervention Providing timely support and interventions to overcome difficulties together Developing a crisis response plan, such as background to the crisis, response plan, and how to call for help Written material, simulation exercises
9th Ongoing family support Ensuring a continuous support system for families Verbal-behavioral transmission, such as couples in the same frequency, classmates, empathy, and gay orientation Group lectures, simulation exercises
10th Maintenance and consolidation Consolidation of treatment effects and prevention of recurrence Developing a long-term plan with regular follow-up visits Group presentations, questionnaires