Self-harm involves injuring yourself on purpose and can have devastating consequences. Self-harm counseling can be an effective way to address the underlying issues that are causing you to harm yourself. During self-harm counseling, you will meet with a counselor or therapist to discuss your struggles. This type of counseling can help you understand the root causes of self-harming behaviors and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Self-harm counseling can be highly effective in promoting recovery. If you are struggling with self-harm, please seek professional help from your doctor, psychiatrist, or counselor. Self-harm counseling is one of the services that I provide at my practice, Convenient Colorado Counseling. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I want to make it as easy and comfortable as possible for you to receive counseling services by offering online and telehealth options.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is any type of deliberate self-injury, regardless of the amount of physical damage that is caused. According to the APA, 17% of adolescents have engaged in self-harm at least once. Self-harm is often a way to cope with difficult emotions or to distract from emotional pain. It can be a way of numbing oneself or releasing built-up tension.
Cutting is the most common form of self-harm, followed by burning and hitting oneself. Self-harm is often seen as a cry for help. It is important to remember that self-harm is not a suicide attempt, although people who self-harm are at a higher risk for suicide.
Warning Signs of Self-Harm
Several warning signs may indicate someone is self-harming. These include:
- Unexplained cuts or bruises
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants in warm weather
- Isolation from friends and family
- Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
- Giving away prized possessions
- Expressing a desire to hurt oneself
If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it is important to seek professional help.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
There are many reasons why people may self-harm. For some, it may be a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. Self-harm can provide a temporary sense of relief from emotional pain or distress. For others, self-harm may be a way to express feelings that are difficult to put into words.
Self-harm is not a mental illness, but according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, often occurs in people struggling with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, or eating disorders.
No matter the reason, self-harm is often a sign that someone is struggling and needs help. If you or someone you know is self-harming, it is important to seek professional help. Self-harm counseling can provide individuals with the support and tools they need to recover from this destructive behavior.
Treatments for Self-Harm
There are several effective treatments for self-harm, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to change negative thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all interconnected, and that changes in one area can lead to changes in another. The goal of CBT is to help people to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, in order to improve their overall mental health.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. The main goal of DBT is to help people learn how to regulate their emotions and cope with stress in a healthy way. To accomplish this, DBT emphasizes both individual therapy and group skills training. In individual therapy, patients work with a therapist to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In group skills training, patients learn about topics such as mindfulness and emotion regulation.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a type of short-term, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships. The goal of IPT is to help people understand and change the patterns of interaction that may contribute to their distress. IPT is based on the premise that our relationships with others play a significant role in our mental health. By improving our interpersonal skills, we can improve our overall well-being.
Medication
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can be effective in treating self-harm by improving an individual’s ability to cope.
Get Help for Self-Harm with Convenient Colorado Counseling
Self-harm is a serious problem that should not be ignored. There are many effective treatments for self-harm, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and medication. By seeking help, you or your loved one can begin the journey to recovery. As an LPC, I work with individuals 12 and older who are thinking of or engaging in self-harm behaviors. Contact me today if you need resources or would like to schedule an appointment.
