How to Use a Therapist to Deal with Self-Harm: Benefits and Consequences

What is Self-Harm? Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the act of deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or psychological pain. This behaviour can include cutting, burning, scratching, or other forms of self-inflicted harm. It is not necessarily a sign of suicidal intent but often indicates deep emotional distress.

Self-harm is more common than many realise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17% of individuals globally will self-harm at some point in their lifetime, with higher rates reported among adolescents and young adults. These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the issue and seeking appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Self-Harm - Why Does It Occur?

Self-harm is a complex behaviour that arises from a variety of emotional and psychological factors. For some, it serves as a temporary relief from intense feelings such as sadness, anger, or frustration. Others may self-harm to regain a sense of control or to punish themselves due to feelings of guilt or shame.

Common reasons for self-harming include:

Emotional Regulation: To release pent-up emotions or numb emotional pain.
Control: As a way to feel a sense of control in situations where they feel powerless.
Expression of Inner Pain: When words fail, self-harm may be used to communicate distress.
Coping Mechanism: To distract from painful thoughts or memories, such as those associated with trauma or abuse.

Common forms of self-harm include:

Cutting: Using sharp objects to create cuts or scratches on the skin.
Burning: Using heat or chemicals to inflict burns.
Scratching or Picking: Repeatedly scratching or picking at the skin, often to cause bleeding or scarring.
Hitting: Punching walls or other objects, or hitting oneself to create bruises or pain.
Hair Pulling: Pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas.

Self-harm is not necessarily a suicide attempt, but it is a serious indication of emotional pain and often coexists with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Without proper intervention, self-harm can escalate, leading to deeper physical injuries and perpetuating a harmful cycle of emotional pain and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Telltale Signs of Self-Harm

Recognising the signs of self-harm can be challenging, as individuals who engage in this behaviour often try to hide it. Here are some common indicators:

Unexplained Injuries: Frequent cuts, bruises, or burns that the person struggles to explain.
Covering Up: Wearing long sleeves or trousers, even in warm weather, to hide scars or wounds.
Avoidance of Physical Activities: Avoiding activities such as swimming or changing clothes in front of others to prevent exposure of injuries.
Frequent Accidents: Claims of clumsiness or accidents that do not align with the types of injuries sustained.
Possession of Tools: Keeping sharp objects like razors, knives, or glass shards in unusual places.
Mood Changes: Signs of depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.
Scars in Patterns: Repeated injuries in similar areas, such as the arms, thighs, or stomach.

When Should Someone See a Therapist?

If someone is engaging in self-harming behaviours or is at risk of doing so, they should seek professional help as soon as possible. Here are key times when contacting a therapist is crucial:

Persistent Self-Harm: If the behaviour becomes frequent or severe, professional intervention is necessary.
Emotional Distress: When the person feels unable to cope with emotions like sadness, anger, or guilt without resorting to self-harm.
Escalation of Behaviours: If the injuries become more severe or the methods used become increasingly dangerous.
Coexisting Mental Health Issues: If self-harm is accompanied by symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Impact on Daily Life: When self-harm starts affecting relationships, work, or school performance.
Thoughts of Suicide: If the individual begins having suicidal thoughts, they should seek help immediately from a therapist, crisis service, or emergency professional. Find emergency help numbers here SOS.

Benefits of Using a Therapist to Address Self-Harm

Seeking therapy for self-harm offers numerous benefits:

Understanding Root Causes: Therapists can help identify the underlying emotions or experiences driving the behaviour.
Developing Healthy Coping Strategies: Therapy teaches alternative methods to manage distress, reducing reliance on self-harming behaviours.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Clients learn how to process emotions in healthier ways, building resilience against future challenges.
Breaking Harmful Cycles: Therapy helps individuals recognise triggers and patterns, empowering them to take control.
Rebuilding Self-Esteem: Therapists guide clients to develop self-compassion, shifting their perception from self-punishment to self-care.

Consequences of Not Seeking Help for Self-Harm

Failing to address self-harming behaviours can lead to:

Escalation of Harm: Injuries may become more severe over time.
Development of Mental Health Disorders: Self-harm is often linked to depression, anxiety, or trauma. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen.
Isolation: Shame or secrecy around self-harm can lead to withdrawal from friends and family.
Suicidal Behaviour: While not all individuals who self-harm are suicidal, prolonged distress can increase the risk.

How Different Therapies Address Self-Harm

Therapy offers diverse approaches to help individuals recover from self-harm. Below is a detailed comparison of various therapies, their techniques, and their effectiveness.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely recognised method for addressing self-harm. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that lead to self-harming behaviours. Techniques include:

Cognitive Restructuring: Helping clients reframe harmful beliefs about themselves.
Behavioural Activation: Encouraging healthier coping mechanisms, such as journaling or exercise.
Trigger Identification: Recognising situations or emotions that lead to self-harm.

Effectiveness: Highly effective for managing self-harm by addressing both thoughts and behaviours.

2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

A subset of CBT, DBT is specifically designed to help individuals with emotional regulation difficulties. Key techniques include:

Mindfulness: Teaching clients to focus on the present moment to reduce overwhelming emotions.
Distress Tolerance: Strategies to manage crises without resorting to self-harm.
Emotion Regulation: Learning to manage and understand intense emotions.

Effectiveness: Particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or chronic self-harming behaviours.

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

This approach delves into unconscious thoughts and past experiences that may influence self-harming behaviours. It aims to uncover unresolved conflicts, such as childhood trauma or abuse, that contribute to emotional distress.

Effectiveness: Useful for individuals seeking deeper self-understanding but may take longer to show results.

4. Humanistic and Person-Centred Therapy

These therapies focus on empowering clients to explore their feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment. They encourage self-acceptance and personal growth.

Effectiveness: Ideal for building self-esteem and fostering a compassionate self-view.

5. EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories or experiences linked to self-harm. By reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, clients are better able to manage triggers.

Effectiveness: Highly effective for trauma-related self-harm.

6. Solution-Focused Therapy

This goal-oriented approach emphasises building on strengths and creating a vision for a healthier future. It focuses less on the problem and more on practical steps to move forward.

Effectiveness: Works well for individuals motivated to change but less effective for deep-rooted issues.

7. Art Therapy

Art therapy provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions. Activities such as drawing or painting can help clients explore feelings they struggle to articulate.

Effectiveness: Beneficial for those who find verbal communication challenging.

Therapies Less Suitable for Self-Harm

While most therapies offer some benefits, certain approaches may not be ideal for addressing self-harm directly:

Guided Self-Help: May lack the personalised support required for complex emotional issues.
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming): Although helpful for behavioural change, it may not address the deep emotional pain driving self-harm.
Hypnotherapy: While useful for some conditions, it may not provide the structured support needed for self-harm recovery.

How to Choose the Right Therapist to Address Self-Harm on BookMe

Finding the right therapist to help you overcome self-harm is a crucial step toward healing and building healthier coping mechanisms. The BookMe platform makes this process simple and tailored, offering a range of certified and licensed professionals to support you. Follow these step-by-step instructions to select the ideal therapist for your needs.

Step 1: Start with the “Treatments” Filter

Visit the BookMe platform and navigate to the therapy search page.
Under the “Treatments” filter, select “Self Harm” to display therapists experienced in addressing this issue.
This ensures that all therapists shown have expertise in helping individuals with self-harm challenges.

Step 2: Use the “Specialisations” Filter

After selecting “Self Harm” as the treatment, refine your search using the “Specialisations” filter.
This filter allows you to narrow down therapists based on the therapy style you feel most comfortable with, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), or Art Therapy.
Read the descriptions of these specialisations if you're unsure which might suit your needs.

Step 3: Watch Therapist Video Profiles

One of BookMe’s unique features is the video profiles therapists upload.
Watch these videos to gain insight into each therapist’s approach, their personality, and the philosophies behind their work.
This helps you visualise how the therapist interacts and decide if their style resonates with you.

Step 4: Read Detailed Bios and Backgrounds

Each therapist on BookMe provides a written bio, outlining their qualifications, experiences, and therapeutic methodologies.
Look for therapists with significant experience working with self-harm cases and any additional credentials related to trauma or emotional regulation.
Consider their background and whether their approach aligns with your preferences and needs.

Step 5: Review Feedback from Past Clients

BookMe allows you to read verified reviews from previous clients.
Pay attention to feedback related to self-harm treatment and the overall experience with the therapist.
Look for patterns in the reviews, such as comments about empathy, effectiveness, and the therapist’s ability to make clients feel understood.

Step 6: Shortlist Potential Therapists

As you explore the options, use BookMe’s shortlisting feature to save therapists you are interested in.
This will make it easier to compare your top choices and revisit their profiles later.

Step 7: Schedule Initial Conversations with at Least Three Therapists

BookMe recommends speaking to at least three therapists before making a final decision.
Initial consultations are an opportunity to ask questions about their approach to self-harm, their experience, and how they plan to tailor their therapy to your needs.
Trust your instincts during these conversations—choose someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and understood.

Step 8: Ensure the Therapist is Certified and Licensed

Every therapist on BookMe is certified and licensed, so you can trust that they meet professional standards.
You can confirm their qualifications in their profiles for added reassurance.

Step 9: Make Your Final Choice

After meeting with your shortlisted therapists, reflect on which one felt like the best fit for your journey.
Consider their expertise, communication style, and how comfortable you felt during the consultation.

Why Choose BookMe for Self-Harm Therapy?

Certified Professionals: Every therapist on the platform is fully licensed and certified, ensuring you receive expert care.
Tailored Search Options: Filters for “Self Harm” and “Specialisations” allow you to find therapists who meet your exact needs.
In-Depth Profiles: Video introductions, written bios, and reviews help you make an informed decision.
Flexible and Personalised: Shortlist therapists, compare approaches, and speak with multiple professionals to ensure the perfect fit.

Take the First Step on BookMe Today

Dealing with self-harm can be overwhelming, but finding the right therapist can make a world of difference. Use BookMe to start your journey toward healing and recovery. Take the time to explore the platform’s features, speak with multiple therapists, and choose the one who feels right for you. Don’t wait—help is just a few clicks away.

Conclusion

Self-harm is a serious issue that requires professional intervention to address its root causes and long-term impact. Working with a therapist can provide invaluable support, offering effective strategies to cope with distress and reduce harmful behaviours. Platforms like BookMe make finding the right therapist straightforward, with certified professionals specialising in a range of therapeutic approaches.

By seeking help, individuals can break free from the cycle of self-harm, build healthier coping mechanisms, and move toward a more fulfilling life. Don't wait to take the first step—start your journey to healing today.