Self-Harm

I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals struggling with self-harm. I understand that self-harm often arises as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions. My approach focuses on helping you uncover the underlying issues, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild self-compassion. Together, we’ll work toward breaking the cycle of self-harm and creating a foundation for healing and emotional well-being.

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

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.

I utilize DBT, an evidence based treatment used to treat emotion dysregulation, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Clients have significantly decreased, suicidal ideation, and self-harm by increasing skills in four core areas. Diary card mechanics and phone coaching are utilized as part of treatment modality.

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.

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.

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

Self harm is a result of intense pain and often times is a way to avoid and lessen that pain. You may feel shame or keep this pattern secret from people in your life. Therapy with me is a way to experience compassion and learn how and why this is happening. I will help you develop skills that can help you choose other ways of coping with your pain. Self harm is nothing to be ashamed of. You are hurting and I want to help you heal.

I treat self harm using a harm reduction approach. This makes it possible to work on keeping you as safe as possible while you start making progress in treatment. Progress can take a little while, and I understand that if you could just stop (like someone probably has suggested), you probably wouldn't be seeing me.

Feeling down and alone can be a difficult feeling to cope with. In creating a safety and treatment plan, we can work together to replace harmful behaviors.

DBT skills for self-harming/ suicidal thoughts.

Grief, loss, pain, and difficult experiences can be traumatic and cause us to hold it all inside. I'm prepared and equipped to help you explore the "why" behind self-harm and hold space for the depth of your pain.

One of the most meaningful experiences that I have had as a therapist is meeting a number of clients who have felt in such a dark place as to turn to self-harm or to to experience such a level of self-hate as to want to hurt themselves----and being a part of those client's healing. If interested in improving your relationship with yourself or being able to understand why you self-harm to feel better and no longer need it, we can begin therapy using strategies of DBT and self-compassion.

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.

Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through Behavioral Tech