Self-Harm

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.

I work from a harm reduction framework with the ultimate goal in my work with clients to be that they utilize safe and consistent skills and tools rather than engaging in self harm. In my work with clients who self harm, my priority is not only their well being but also to hold space and give them grace as they walk along the path to a safe and fulfilling life.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have been leading DBT groups since 2016. One of the main areas of improvement clients will notice is reduced self harm behaviors after learning from the four core areas, including interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness.

I help clients identify why they self-harm, triggers to self-harm, alternatives to self-harm, and successful strategies in overcoming self-harm.

Self-harm means hurting yourself on purpose. People may self-injure for many reasons. For some, it might feel like relief, like taking the lid off a pressure cooker. Others might self-harm because physical pain might remind them that they’re alive. But self-harm can sometimes be more severe than intended or lead to infection. Utilizing DBT, I have treated children, adolescents, and adults in decreasing the harmful behaviors and replace them with healthy and safe coping skills.

Self-injury, like many addictive behaviors, can take complete control of the person if left untreated. It can impact self-esteem, relationships, day to day functioning, and lead to more serious or life threatening behaviors as people habituate and need more of the drug. There are various functions that self-injury can serve for people based on level of overwhelm, and uncovering the "why" someone is engaged in these behaviors is one of the crucial steps needed to live fully and harm-free.

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.

I have worked extensively with clients struggling with self-harming behaviors. I have worked in a Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program that often included work with adults and adolescents working to change their self-harming behaviors. I have been trained in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy to help work on both distress tolerance to decrease the impulses as well as interpersonal skills to be able to express their emotions more effectively.

Self-Harm is often misunderstood and a field I am passionate in working in. I completed the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury 101 from Cornell University in 2016 and enjoy helping my clients better understand the function and how to develop new coping skills to address the underlying concerns.

I am trained in DBT, and work with individuals engaging in self harm.