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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer self-harm counseling in Grand Rapids, MI

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Grand Rapids Charter Township services

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting self-harm counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, +22 more

I am a white woman with nearly four years of experience working with many different populations and in various fields within social work.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +16 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, +23 more

I have a wide range of experience to help me understand the individual needs a person may have.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +23 more
Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +14 more

I am dedicated to supporting you in beginning your journey no matter where we start.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +23 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Behavioral Issues, +18 more

I understand what overcoming is...I had to overcome childhood trauma. I've been there. Healing from trauma is not easy, but you're worth the time and ... I understand what overcoming is...I had to overcome childhood trauma. I've been there. Healing from trauma is not easy, but you're worth the time and the effort. You have this one life, and it's important that you are able to show up for it in a way that you can feel good about, be at peace about, and be proud of. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +21 more
Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +18 more

Starting Self-harm counseling

What is Self-harm counseling?

Self-harm counseling is aimed at helping individuals who struggle with harming themselves break this pattern by addressing the underlying emotional causes and work to develop new, healthier coping skills. Thriveworks self-harm therapists in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 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.

How does Self-harm counseling work?

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 Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists can help clients find and address the true emotional roots of their patterns and, from there, effectively adjust unwanted behaviors.

Is Self-harm counseling conducted in person or online?

Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Self-harm counseling last?

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.

Need more help deciding?

A 52-year-old mother of four is starting a new career while adjusting to her oldest child going to college. A 35-year-old insurance agent and single father of two small children feels stuck but does not know what else to do. An 11-year-old is moving schools and hoping this year he will finally have friends. The appearance of these individual lives is distinctly different, but they share an internal, emotional reality. The particular stressors differ but the method of handling them does not: these individuals participate in self-harm.

“Other times, I look at my scars and see something else:
a girl who was trying to cope with something horrible that she should never have had to live through at all. My scars show pain and suffering, but they also show my will to survive. They’re part of my history that’ll always be there.”
― Cheryl Rainfield, Scars

Difficult and even traumatic life circumstances often drive people to cope in any way they can, even through self-harm. Most people who injure themselves did not ask for these situations in their lives, and they are expressing their pain in what might be the only way they know how to express it: on their bodies. Hate and shame can all too easily turn inward.

Help is available for people who are ready to learn new ways of processing the pain—ways that bring life and hope. That is why Thriveworks Grand Rapids offering therapy for cutting and other forms of self-harm. For many of our clients, inflicting pain upon themselves is the only way they know how to cope, but our therapists have helped them find a new path.

Different Forms of Self-Injury

Cutting may be the most well-known form of self-injury, but it is by no means the only form. There are many different ways that people can express their emotional pain through physical pain. Often, people combine several forms of self-injury.
Various types of self-harm may include…

  1. Sabotaging a healing process—picking scabs, undoing stitches, et cetera.
  2. Burning—using heat, matches, cigarettes, ropes, or more to injure.
  3. Carving, branding, or tattooing—expressing the physical and emotional pain with a symbol, word, or picture.
  4. Punching—hitting, biting, pinching oneself.
  5. Scratching or cutting—slashing, stabbing, piercing one’s skin with a sharp object.
  6. Pulling hair—painfully removing a substantial amount of hair.

People may participate in self-injury for a short season, quit for a while, and then self-harm again after many years. They may also self-harm on a regular and on-going basis.

Self-Mutilation: Risk Factors

While any stressful or traumatic circumstance may trigger people to cope through self-harm, a few factors in particular raise people’s risk for self-injury. For example, people for face the following may also face a higher chance of participating in self-injurious activity:

  • Psychological Pain: Unfortunately, childhood abuse and neglect is often a common denominator among people who self-harm. Other forms of psychological pain can contribute as well: bereavement, strained relationships, poverty, unemployment, to name a few.
  • Mental Health Diagnosis: Self-harm is not a mental health diagnosis in itself, but it often accompanies other mental illnesses. In particular, self-mutilation often accompanies the following diagnoses—depression, borderline personality disorder, a conduct disorder, bipolar disorder, an autism spectrum disorder, phobias, or schizophrenia.
  • Drug or Alcohol Use/abuse: In one study conducted in Norther Ireland, in over 60 percent of self-injury cases, alcohol was a factor. Often, drug and alcohol use are present when the injuries are inflicted.

Other Options: Healthy Coping Mechanisms

For many people, self-harm is the only way they know to survive and feel relief. Learning different ways to handle difficult emotions is a challenging journey, but many people are learning new coping mechanisms. For example, people can respond to emotional pain by…

  • Reaching out to a friend. Think about someone who cares about you—someone who would listen without judgment. Could you call that person when you feel upset? Lonely? Scared? Numb? Slowly tell a friend more and more about what you are feeling and thinking.
  • Prioritize your own safety. Avoid triggering situations or media and movies that depict self-harm. Protect yourself, both physically and emotionally, is important.
  • Notice your own emotions. Take a deep breath in a quiet place. Trying different techniques for awareness—yoga and journaling are a few. Give yourself permission to feel anything that arises.

Often, when people are learning new coping techniques, they work with a mental health professional. A skilled therapist can identify which coping skills would be most fruitful in a particular person’s life—given their circumstances and history. Mental health counselors also work with their clients to identify the cause of the self-harm—when it began and what wound it may be seeking to heal. Counselors can then help people heal the foundational cause of the behavior. People can experience freedom from self-injury.

Therapy for Self-Mutilation at Thriveworks Grand Rapids

If you are ready to meet with a counselor about cutting or other forms of self-harm, know that the professionals at Thriveworks are ready for you. Struggling with self-injury is difficult, but reaching out for help should be easy. At Thriveworks Grand Rapids, we have done our best to make scheduling therapy as convenient as possible.

When you call our office, a person will answer and help schedule your appointment. New clients regularly meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their call. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer weekend and evening appointments.

Contact Thriveworks Grand Rapids. We are ready to help.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Grand Rapids Charter Township
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Kelly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Read more I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Grand Rapids Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Read more Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Grand Rapids May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Grand Rapids Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Read more Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Grand Rapids Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Read more Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Read more My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Grand Rapids Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Read more I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Grand Rapids Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids is located off of Kenmoor Ave SE. We share an office with Paper Plane Therapies, and are located near the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center.

Phone number

(616) 421-9387

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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