Our counselors offer self-harm counseling in Philadelphia, PA

When people are ready to learn different ways of processing these difficult experiences and intense emotions, know that Thriveworks Philadelphia can guide and support their journey. Our counselors and therapists have seen people who self-harm learn how to cope with their pain in ways that heal and restore themselves.

Schedule a session with one of our self-harm counseling therapists today.

Self-Injury: More than Cutting

When most people think of self-harm, they most likely think of cutting, but cutting is just one form of self-injurious behavior. People who self-harm may choose a variety of methods to express their pain. Examples of the various forms of self-injury may look like…

1. Hair pulling—Painfully plucking hair from one’s body.
2. Sabotaging a wound’s healing—Undoing stitches, picking scabs, et cetera.
3. Tattooing, branding, carving—Adding a word, symbol, or picture to the physical pain.
4. Burning—Utilizing matches, heat, cigarettes, ropes, or more to damage skin and induce pain.
5. Biting, punching, hitting, or pinching oneself.
6. Scratching or cutting—using a knife or other sharp object to stab, slash, or pierce the skin.

For some, they self-harm occasionally while others do so consistently.

Self-Harm: What Puts People at Risk?

Several factors can increase a person’s risk for self-injurious behavior. When one or more of these situations are present in people’s lives, they may be more susceptible to turning to self-harm as a coping mechanism:

• Psychological Pain: Many people who self-harm have survived an abusive childhood. They may have faced neglect or various forms of maltreatment. Other forms of psychological pain can drive people to harm themselves—poverty, bereavement, toxic relationships, and more.
• Mental Health Diagnosis: Self-injury is not an independent diagnosis, but it often is a sign or symptom of certain forms of mental illness, particularly phobias, depression, conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse: A research study in Northern Ireland looked at self-injury cases presented at a local hospital, and in over 60 percent of the cases, alcohol was a factor. When people inflict their injuries, they may also be using alcohol or drugs.

Alternative Coping Skills

When people turn to cutting or burning or any form of self-harm, they are doing the best they know to make it day-to-day and find any form of relief. Healthier ways of coping may include:

• Getting in touch with a friend. Consider for a moment: who in your life cares about you? Who will listen to you and support you? It takes courage, but call that person when feelings of loneliness (or sadness or fear or numbness) overwhelm you.
• Prioritize your safety. You matter. Your emotional and physical safety matter. It is okay to avoid situations or people who feel unsafe and might trigger self-harm.
• Notice your own emotions. Mindfulness is a word that people throw around a lot, but all it means is paying attention to yourself. Go to a quiet place. Take a breath. Some people enjoy journaling or going to a yoga class. The important part is letting yourself feel anything.

Counseling for Self-Mutilation at Thriveworks Philadelphia

When people begin learning new coping skills, they often seek out the help of a therapist or a counselor to guide their process. Mental health professionals may also be able to identify and heal the underlying cause of the self-harm.

If you are ready to work with a counselor, know that Thriveworks Philadelphia offers appointments for self-harm. When you call our office, a person will answer your call and help schedule your first appointment—which might be within 24 hours. We accept most forms of insurance. We also offer evening and weekend appointments.

Is it time to reach out for healing? Contact Thriveworks Philadelphia today.