Self-Harm
Self harm is a common maladaptive coping mechanism among teens and young adults who are struggling with mental health. Usually, self-harm is a way to relieve intense emotions, numbness from depression, or manage shame and guilt.
While it offers short term relief, it often worsens mental health long term. This is why teens and young adults are often susceptible to using self-harm, as they don’t have fully-developed frontal lobes (the part of our brains responsible for long term risk assessment).
Typically, self harm is not with the intention to die, and is commonly also referred to as non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) for this reason.
Discovering that someone you love is struggling with NSSI can be very frightening and distressing for parents, family, and friends.
I don’t shy away from working with those who are wanting to stop their NSSI. Come see me at Vervewell, and we’ll make a plan for how to support you and help you find new coping mechanisms.
Some common benefits individuals struggling with self-harm can gain from therapy:
Identifying Triggers
We can work together to learn more about what triggers your urges to self-harm. Understanding what it helps you with can help us navigate next best steps to reduce self-harm and prevent future relapses.
Build Alternative Coping Skills
Therapy can provide a space for your emotional needs to be met, which may reduce self-harm urges outright. Sometimes it can be more complex, and we might need to explore alternative options that can provide you relief without risk of harm.
No Judgment or Big Reactions
It is my job as a therapist to stay calm and stay with you through the difficult, darker parts of life. I am not here to judge or shame you for something you’re already struggling with.
I am professionally trained and educated to assess the risks associated with NSSI, and to know when we need to enlist more intensive help if your immediate safety is at risk. And that is a conversation you always be apart of—I don’t do surprise hospitalizations, and I only break confidentiality when it is absolutely necessary. We will assess together regularly if outpatient therapy with me is the best fit for you.