Self-Harm

Understanding, Treatment & Support

Self-harm is a deeply personal and often misunderstood behavior. It can serve as a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or mental health struggles. At Carley Counseling Services, compassionate and evidence-based therapy is offered to help individuals who engage in self-harm find healthier ways to manage their emotions and build a path toward healing. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with self-harm, there is help available to guide you toward a safer and more fulfilling life.

What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm, also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, involves deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, distress, or overwhelming feelings. Common forms of self-harm include cutting, burning, hitting, or scratching the skin, but it can also take the form of other risky or harmful behaviors.

Self-harm is often used as a temporary relief from intense emotions, but it is not a healthy or sustainable way to cope. Over time, self-harm can lead to physical injury, emotional isolation, and feelings of shame. It’s important to recognize that self-harm is a signal of underlying emotional distress, and with the right support, individuals can learn to manage these feelings in safer, healthier ways.

Why Do People Engage in Self-Harm?

Self-harm is typically not a suicidal act, though it can sometimes be linked to suicidal thoughts. Instead, it is often used as a coping mechanism for a variety of emotional and psychological reasons, including:

Feel control

When life feels chaotic, self-harm can provide a temporary sense of control over one’s body and emotions.

Release emotional pain

Physical pain from self-harm can provide a distraction or release from intense emotional suffering.

Feel something

For individuals who feel numb or disconnected, self-harm can serve as a way to feel alive or reconnected to their emotions.

Express anger or frustration

Some people use self-harm as a way to express anger, frustration, or other difficult emotions they find hard to verbalize.

Punish oneself

In some cases, individuals may engage in self-harm due to feelings of guilt, shame, or self-loathing, using it as a form of punishment.

Symptoms of Self-Harm

If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it’s important to seek help. Self-harm is a signal that emotional support is needed, and with the right therapeutic interventions, individuals can find healthier ways to cope with their feelings.

Self-harm can be difficult to recognize, as many individuals go to great lengths to hide their behavior. However, common signs include:

Unexplained cuts, burns, bruises, or scars

Particularly on the arms, legs, or other areas that can be easily hidden by clothing.

Frequent wearing of long sleeves or pants

Even in warm weather, individuals may try to cover up signs of self-harm.

Isolation and withdrawal

A person engaging in self-harm may avoid social situations or withdraw from friends and family.

Keeping sharp objects

Finding razors, knives, or other sharp objects in a person’s belongings may indicate self-harming behavior.

Mood swings or emotional instability

The emotional distress that leads to self-harm often presents as intense mood swings, anxiety, or depression.

The Impact of Self-Harm

While self-harm might provide temporary relief, it can have serious long-term consequences. Physically, repeated self-injury can lead to infections, scarring, and permanent tissue damage. Emotionally, self-harm often creates feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, making it harder to break the cycle.

Additionally, while self-harm is not typically a suicide attempt, individuals who engage in self-harm may be at increased risk of suicidal ideation or attempts. Recognizing the emotional pain behind the behavior and seeking appropriate therapy is key to breaking the cycle of self-harm.

Treatment for Self-Harm

At Carley Counseling Services, therapy for self-harm is focused on understanding the underlying emotional issues that lead to self-injury and developing healthier coping strategies. By working through the feelings that drive self-harm, individuals can find new ways to manage emotional pain without turning to self-destructive behaviors.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Several therapeutic modalities can be helpful in addressing self-harm, depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances:

IFS (Internal Family Systems)

IFS allows individuals to explore the “parts” of themselves that may feel overwhelming or out of control. This therapy helps foster self-compassion and healing for the parts that turn to self-harm as a coping mechanism.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

EMDR

For individuals whose self-harm is linked to trauma, EMDR can help process and heal painful memories, reducing the need for self-injury as a coping strategy.

DBT

DBT is especially effective for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation and impulsivity. It teaches skills like distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, which are essential for reducing self-harm behaviors.

CBT

CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to self-harm. By reframing these thoughts, clients can develop healthier coping strategies.

ACT

ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions rather than avoid them. It focuses on helping clients commit to behaviors that align with their values, promoting a sense of control and emotional balance.

Developing Healthier Coping Strategies

A critical part of treatment for self-harm is helping individuals find healthier ways to cope with emotional distress. This can include:

Mindfulness & relaxation techniques

Learning to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions can reduce the urge to self-harm.

Creative outlets

Expressing feelings through art, writing, or other creative activities can provide relief without causing harm.

Physical activity

Exercise is a healthy way to release pent-up emotions and reduce stress.

Distraction techniques

Learning to delay the urge to self-harm by engaging in safe, alternative activities can break the cycle.

Safety Planning

For individuals actively engaging in self-harm, a safety plan is an important part of treatment. A safety plan includes identifying triggers, developing a list of alternative coping strategies, and establishing support systems to reach out to in moments of crisis.

Medication Management

While medication is not a primary treatment for self-harm, it can sometimes be helpful in managing underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, or impulsivity that contribute to the behavior. In such cases, collaboration with a psychiatrist ensures that medication is used effectively and safely as part of a broader treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

In addition to therapy, making positive lifestyle changes can help manage the emotions that drive self-harm.

Establishing a regular sleep schedule

Restful sleep is essential for emotional regulation.

Incorporating mindfulness practices

Staying grounded can help individuals manage overwhelming urges.

Developing a strong support network

Building relationships with trusted friends and family can provide the emotional support needed during tough times.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or someone you love is struggling with self-harm, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There is hope, and there are effective treatments available to help break the cycle of self-injury. At Carley Counseling Services, the goal is to provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can work through the emotions driving self-harm and develop healthier ways to cope.

Contact Carley Counseling Services today to schedule an appointment and take the first step on your journey toward healing and emotional well-being.