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.
Building skills and supports to cope with emotional pain, suffering, and numbness; increasing positive meaningful life experiences
— Hannah Brooks, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, NYI 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, MNWhen 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, MAI 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.
— Carrie Covell, Psychotherapist in Beverly Hills, CAUsing Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am able to guide you to healthier coping mechanisms.
— Darcy Barillas, Licensed Clinical Mental Health CounselorI work with teens and adults who experience self-harming thoughts and behaviors to help them process their experiences.
— Charmaine Perry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Edison, NJWhether 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, TXSelf-harm is often thought of behaviors to "get attention" or something that "teens" do. Self-harm is often used as a short-term solution to difficult emotions/experiences. I understand that it works. I often find that with self-harm comes shame and hiding. Learning skills that are effective to manage the distress you experience and ones that do not result in you harming yourself to feel better is possible. You do not have to hurt yourself to be okay.
— Chantal Wilson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chula Vista, CAI have worked with youth and young adults who have thoughts and behaviors of self-harm as well as thoughts and behaviors of suicide. I mostly utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy but tailor it to meet the individual needs of the client.
— Kat de los Santos, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vail, AZI use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help clients decrease self harm and increase healthier coping strategies.
— Rena Blatt, Clinical Social Worker in flushing, NYMoving From Self-Harm to Self-Care: Learn coping strategies to conquer harmful habits. *Are you struggling with self-harm, such as suicidal thoughts, self-injury, substance abuse, toxic relationships, or other harmful behaviors? *Have you tried to make a change on your own, but had trouble following through? Get support in crafting your own self-care plan to live a healthier and more satisfying life.
— Anna Lindberg Cedar, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Francisco, CAI spent two years working in inpatient units with children and teens, and have specific training in suicidality and self-harm. I use a combination of DBT and ACT, along with evidence-based techniques from Cornell's research center on non-suicidal self-injury. Having worked with numerous children and teens experiencing self-harming, I know how scary it is for parents and how important it is for parents to be involved in care.
— Julia Clark, Psychologist in Austin, TXOften 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, FLSelf-harm can be a way people choose to deal with difficult feelings such as grief, disappointment, anger, frustration, guilt, etc. when they feel there are no other options. If you or your loved ones struggle with self-harm, please know there are treatment options available. Together, we can make a plan for ways to stay safe and utilize other coping strategies when feelings become difficult to handle.
— Melissa Watts, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Mentor, OHI will provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore underlying emotions and experiences that drive self-harming behaviors. My approach involves helping you understand the triggers and patterns associated with self-harm, and together, we'll develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage difficult feelings. I am committed to supporting you on your journey toward healing, self-acceptance, and finding alternative ways to cope.
— Melissa Kirkpatrick, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Littleton, CORecognizing the sensitive and often stigmatized nature of self-harm, I am committed to creating a supportive and validating environment where clients can explore the underlying emotional pain, distress, and triggers that contribute to their self-harming behaviors. I aim to provide a therapeutic experience that promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the development of healthier and more adaptive ways of coping with distress and emotional pain.
— Callie Houk, Mental Health Counselor in ,