Adolescent Self‐cutting: An Embodiment of the Unsaid

Abstract

This paper describes adolescent self‐cutting from a systemic–relational standpoint utilising two key concepts: embodied mind and the unsaid. Varella's notion of embodiment is introduced to understand the body as a field of meaning and the unsaid is conceptualised as what holds ‘said meaning’ and gives a sense of identity. These ideas are illustrated by reflections on a clinical vignette.

The Sacred in Psychotherapeutic Practice: Ethical Reflections from Bateson and Bateson

“…In this regard, Bateson and Bateson (1988) point out that sometimes there are people who consider it important to communicate information that will cause pain or change things. According to Zamorano and Rojas (2017), the unsaid is always in a relationship that defies and threatens what is said. Usually, this tends to occur in certain moments of change, or in the sudden understanding of the nature of the world and the life that is lived.…”

“…Although the concept of the unsaid has already been addressed in other works of therapeutic practice (Anderson, 1997;Boscolo & Bertrando, 1996;Carey, Walther, & Russell, 2009;Rober, 1999Rober, , 2002White, 2000;Zamorano & Rojas, 2017), when relating it to the epistemology of the sacred in Bateson and Bateson, its meaning is enriched and acquires a deeper and more ethical meaning. In this regard, Bateson and Bateson (1988) point out that sometimes there are people who consider it important to communicate information that will cause pain or change things.…”