The Implementation of Resource Development and Installation (RDI) for an Adolescent with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

This study examines the application of Resource Development and Installation (RDI) for Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) as applied to the case of a 16-year-old female adolescent using pre- and post-test design. NSSI, negative feelings and positive resources were assessed before and after RDI sessions were provided. RDI is the second phase of Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) therapy provided to a client for psychological stabilization before trauma confrontation sessions. During RDI, the therapist facilitates the client in identifying positive emotions and positive coping strategies to be used when facing problematic or challenging situations that trigger negative emotions. In this study, we applied two RDI techniques to activate and strengthen the client's positive resources: Point of Power and Absorption Technique. The purpose of the RDI application is to reduce the NSSI by increasing positive resources and decreasing negative feelings, especially anxiety. After the RDI session, the client reported an increase in positive resources and a decrease in negative feelings as evidenced by a decline in scores of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL), and the Child Behavior Checklist for Age 4-18 (CBCL/4-18). The client also reported a positive change in behavior, as she feels more able to regulate her negative feelings by diverting her mind into a positive direction and perceiving her feelings more positively.