Self-Harm

I have 8 years of experience working with individuals that have significant urges to harm themselves or are experiencing suicidal ideation. I think that recognition, honesty, openness, and having a supportive ally, are really important steps in beginning the path of challenging self harm urges and actions.

Whether through cutting, hitting, or using a "good" behavior to the point of hurting ones self, many people will try to soothe distressing emotions or thoughts by hurting themself, usually beginning in their teen years. In session, we will talk through the purpose of the behavior, what it "gives", and find safer alternatives to achieve the same goals, while also working through the pain which led to the self-harm in the first place.

Building skills and supports to cope with emotional pain, suffering, and numbness; increasing positive meaningful life experiences

Often those who suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD) or have a history of abuse, also suffer from self-harm. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is indicated to help relieve these behaviors which stem from finding a way to cope any way one can. While self-harm starts as a way to manage difficult emotions and/or experiences, shame and self-loathing often accompany the behaviors. Our DBT program at HHC&W and training in trauma-informed care is most helpful for this concern.

An area of interest for me, working with adults and adolescents to learn replacement behaviors. Some additional training in this area.

Self-injury is one of the most misunderstood of all coping strategies. Self-injury is most often an attempt to both regulate and tolerate intolerable feelings. It also communicates psychological pain and suffering through the more recognizable and understandable physical pain. Both self-injury and eating disorders are common among LGBTQ folx, especially those who identify under the trans umbrella. Learning to understand what problem the self-injury is attempting to solve is key to healing.

When a person becomes overwhelmed and distressed, they may look to various avenues of relief to reduce their uncomfortable feelings, including self-harm. Self harming behaviors can be seen as a coping skill that a person acquires when they do not have other tools in their toolbox to navigate the challenges they may face. When working to address self harm, the main focus of treatment is finding new coping skills that encourage healing and help keep a person safe when facing distress.

Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a need for better coping skills. Several illnesses are associated with it, including borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety or posttraumatic distress disorder. Self-harm isn’t the same as attempting suicide. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously.

Self-harm involves a toxic combination of self-hatred and intense emotions that seem impossible to overcome. I want to help my clients piece these two components apart and work through each one. Overcoming self-harm involves working through emotional distress without unintentionally pointing to yourself as "the problem" which only leads to more emotional distress. It also involves developing the confidence that you can handle whatever life throws at you.

I understand that there is a difference between self-harm and suicidal behavior and have experience helping people learn adaptive coping strategies.

I help people identify triggers that make them feel overwhelmed by their emotions and help them to find healthy ways to feel more in control.

Self-injury, like many addictive behaviors, can take complete control of the person if left untreated. It can impact self-esteem, relationships, day to day functioning, and lead to more serious or life threatening behaviors as people habituate and need more of the drug. There are various functions that self-injury can serve for people based on level of overwhelm, and uncovering the "why" someone is engaged in these behaviors is one of the crucial steps needed to live fully and harm-free.

I have extensive training, expertise, and experience treating non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and I am happy to provide a complimentary consult to anyone engaging in self-harm or having urges to self-harm, to determine whether DBT-informed therapy could be an effective treatment option.

I have completed training and have been effectively working with individuals who struggle with self-injury for several years.

Over the years I've worked with adults and adolescents from all walks of life who use self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy which can help people find other ways to manage painful emotions.

I have personal experience with self-injury and understand its use as a coping skill on a deep level. I can hold space that others might find uncomfortable, and work within my clients' needs as a support.

I am experienced in working with both children and adults who use self harm as a coping mechanism.