Counselling for Self-harming Behaviour

Self-harming is not so much a deliberate attempt to hurt or harm oneself, but more an attempt to feel better in times of distress.

There are many ways that people in London self-harm. Cutting or burning the skin and pulling out hair are some forms of self-harming behaviour as are binge drinking, having unsafe sex, not eating and excessive drug taking. There are many others.

We know that someone who self-harms is usually in a state of high emotion and distress. The self-harming behaviour is often an attempt to alleviate this emotional distress. People who self-harm sometimes feel that self-harming is the only way ‘out’ of these feelings.

Self-harming behaviour comes in many forms and is different for every person

Some people plan self-harm in advance while, for others, self-harm happens on the spur of the moment. Some people self-harm only once or twice, while others self-harm regularly, often in response to certain events. The events that trigger self-harm vary between individuals. Some people will know what triggers their self-harming experiences while others will have little understanding of what motivates them towards this kind of behaviour.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimate that about 1 in 10 young people will self-harm. However, self-harming behaviours can be found in people of all ages. Young women are more likely to self-harm than young men, though the reasons for this are unclear.

How can counselling for self-harming behaviour help?

The underlying causes of self-harm are complex. There are many reasons why people self-harm and many forms of self-harming behaviour. Some people will know why they self-harm while others will have no idea why they turn to this kind of behaviour.

Though self-harm is usually about alleviating distressing feelings, the aftermath of self-harm can evoke other feelings like regret, frustration, anger and shame. And self-harm is often a very private and secret experience, rarely shared with anyone else.

All of these factors can make living with self-harming behaviour feel lonely, isolating and upsetting.

Self-harm counselling with One Therapy London

Treatment of self-harming behaviour is usually done through counselling and psychotherapy. Medication is not normally used to treat self-harming behaviour. However, speaking with your GP could be a first step towards dealing with this kind of problematic behaviour.

Our counselling services also help those who self-harm. Our counsellors and psychotherapists have a great deal of experience working with people who self-harm. Time spent with one of our therapists can help those who self-harm understand the underlying causes and triggers of their self-harming experiences. Therapy seeks to find new, healthier ways to express difficult emotions.

Our counselling services are confidential and all discussions in therapy will remain confidential between you and your therapist.

We have met with many people in London who self-harm and helped them to understand the nature and purpose of their self-harming behaviour. If one of our counsellors might be able to help, please contact us for an initial appointment.

Self-harm presents a complex problem. Treatment for self-harming behaviour is usually done through counselling and psychotherapy.