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.