Self-harm counseling is aimed at helping individuals who struggle with harming themselves break this pattern by addressing the underlying emotional causes and working to develop new, healthier coping skills. Thriveworks self-harm therapists in Chesterfield, VA are experienced in treating those who self-harm with empathy, compassion, and unconditional regard in order to help them heal and recover, both physically and emotionally.
Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks often uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients discover the connections between their thoughts and feelings and their behaviors. By assessing these areas, Thriveworks Chesterfield therapists can help clients find and address the true emotional roots of their patterns and, from there, effectively adjust unwanted behaviors.
The duration of self-harm counseling will often depend on a variety of factors, such as the intensity of an individual’s symptoms or the current levels of stress present in their lives. Because of this, treatment can last a handful of months or on a continual basis over the course of years. In the end, it’s up to the client and their individual needs.
Counseling for Self-Harm and Cutting—Therapists in Chesterfield, VA
Self-harm can take a variety of forms. Cutting is probably the most well-known, but other forms may include branding, burning, pinching, scratching, biting, or carving one’s skin to cause pain.
The form of self-harm can vary and so can the symptoms that people are using it to cope. If people are displaying the following behaviors, they may be cutting or utilizing another form of self-harm to handle life’s stress:
- Doubting their identity and/or their purpose in life (“Who am I?”).
- Displaying recent wounds: cuts, bruises, burns, or scratches.
- Relational challenges with teachers, friends, bosses, family, and more.
- Acting erratically and impulsively.
- Having access to or possessing sharp objects or weapons they could use to injure themselves.
- Feeling helpless, hopeless, and/or worthless.
Why Do People Turn to Self-Injury?
Through self-injury, people may be trying to…
- Understand what happened to them.
- Divert their attention from the pain.
- Feel in control of something—even physical pain.
- Experience an emotion—any emotion instead of feeling numb.
To find deeper healing, many people are working with a mental health professional. A skilled therapist or counselor can often work with people to identify and health the emotional wound that initially led them to self-harm. By working with a counselor, people may also be able to learn new coping skills that promote healing.
What If Someone You Love Is Cutting?
Friends and family can also provide needed support for people who self-harm. If you think a loved one is cutting, then know that often the most simple forms of encouragement are the best. For example,
- Be a listening ear: If your loved one wants to talk, listen without interrupting, questioning, or trying to fix the situation. Simply being empathetic toward their struggles can help.
- Voice your love and support: Let your loved one know how much you value their friendship or presence in your life. When appropriate, offer to support their recovery.
Self-Harm at Thriveworks Chesterfield—Counseling Appointments
If you are ready to learn a new way to handle the trauma and stress of life, Thriveworks Chesterfield is ready to support your journey. Our therapists and counselors have helped many people walk away from cutting and find true healing.
When you contact our office, know that you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. We also accept many types of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend appointments.
Let’s work together for healing. Call Thriveworks Chesterfield today or schedule an appointment online to get started.
