Self-Harm

Self-harm, also known as self-injury, means hurting yourself on purpose. While cutting (using a sharp object to pierce your skin) is the most common form of self-harm many other forms exist, including burning, scratching or hitting body parts. Self-harm often first manifests itself in adolescence or young adulthood and is typically used as a way to cope with emotional pain. Individuals who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse are particularly susceptible to self-harming behaviors. Self-harm can be a passing phase, but it is sometimes a symptom of a more serious psychiatric problem, like anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, so it is important to take it seriously. Whether you, or a child in your care, has recently started hurting yourself or you’ve been doing it for a while, there is help available! Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s self-harm experts today.

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

— Elizabeth Fulsher, Clinical Social Worker in Vancouver, WA

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

— Hannah Brooks, Social Worker in New York, NY
 

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.

— Elizabeth Bolton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cypress, TX

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.

— Beth Holzhauer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Evanston, IL
 

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.

— Kristina Altomari, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boston, MA

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.

— Sam Anderson, Clinical Social Worker in Golden Valley, MN
 

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.

— Allyse Teltser, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Roswell, GA

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.

— Stacy Walker, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Sarasota, FL
 

Contrary to what the media portrays, self-harm is NOT for attention. Self-harm is a coping strategy used by people who are hurting, feel misunderstood, or feel they don't have any other way to express their emotions. Let me help you first find safe replacement strategies, then help you conquer the situations that brought you to self-harm in the first place.

— Kasey Wiggam, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indianapolis, IN
 

Someone might self-harm for a variety of reasons, but ultimately, self-harm is a person's way of expressing that something is wrong and they need help. So long as self-harm is not putting a person's life in danger, I approach the issue with compassion and non-judgment while we explore alternate methods to handle the feelings that drive the behavior.

— Catherine Humenuk, Clinical Social Worker in The Colony,

I work in The Self-Injury Institute. Visit www.SelfInjuryInstitute.com for more information.

— Emma Jaegle, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

Self-harm can serve several functions for people; one of the most common functions is to regulate intense emotion. It often occurs when our rational brain is completely shut down and we are feeling a strong desire to escape the emotional experience. I have worked with many individuals over the years who self-harm, and I know many tools that can help you learn replacement behaviors that won't cause additional damage. There is hope, I promise!

— Anna Sheedy, Clinical Psychologist in King of Prussia,

Finding caring and practical solutions for the struggles of emotion dysregulation, hopelessness, and despair.

— Katey Nicolai, Psychologist
 

I have been working with individuals who self-harm for over five years. Utilizing DBT, my clients are able to understand the reasons they self-harm and find other ways to cope, along with making effective changes in their lives to eliminate stressors that lead to destructive behaviors.

— Casey Perisin, Clinical Psychologist

Self harm is in my opinion misunderstood. A client that is using self harm doesn't have the appropriate tools to manage distressing emotions. Clients that self harm are in an extreme amount of pain, and they take the pain out on themselves to feel better. Learning healthy and appropriate ways to tolerate, and work their way out of this addictive pattern of self abuse takes time, patience, and love.

— Bethany Juran, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lincolnshire, IL
 

Emotional regulation and distress tolerance may help individuals who feel overwhelmed in their emotional mind, and turn to self-harm. When safety and containment is not familiar, it can be easy to unconsciously re-enact or re-play out harmful experiences. Inflicting pain can also be a way to feel, and a way to attain intimacy with others.

— Jess Piasecki, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA