Self-Harm

Self-harm is becoming alarmingly more popular every year. It is addicting the same way opioids are, but unfortunately social-stigmas are much greater surrounding self-harm. Self-harm can look like purposely cutting, burning, or bruising oneself, just to name a few.

How Therapy Can Help With Self-Harm

Therapy can help identify the reasons why you self-harm, and teach you alternative, safer coping skills that still provide you with the mental and physical outlet you are so desperately needing in that moment.

My Approach to Treating Clients With Self-Harm

I never “make” anyone quit self-harming (first off, I cannot make anyone do anything, nor would I dare try!). I understand that I cannot take the only coping skill you’ve deemed “to work” from you without first finding a sufficient one to replace it. We work together to find healthier coping skills, while also looking at the underlying reasons that are causing you so much pain.

Things to Consider

Self-harmers are not inherently suicidal, and not all suicidal people self-harm. It is important to not confuse the two issues. Self-harm can be very addictive and needs to be treated with caution. Self-harming can quickly escalate to life-threatening levels, even when that is not the attention. If you or someone you know is self-harming, it is imperative they get help from a professional who is very knowledgeable in this subject.