Self Harming Counselling

Traditionally, behaviours of physically hurting yourself are associated with young women, but can also be exhibited by men. While often associated with suicidal behaviour, Self-harming is separate as the person does not want to die from their behaviour.
There are two purposes for self-harming.
First, wanting your emotional pain to be noticed. This creates a negative cycle of needing to harm again when pain increases and the attention of others has waned.
Second, to have a sense of release from the emotional pain by substituting it with physical behaviour. This second reason for self-harming behaviour creates a short-term, momentary sense of release from the emotional pain and regaining control.

My approach is to help the client understand the reasons for their behaviour. Narrative Therapy is used to encourage the client to see that their behaviour does not define them. When negative behaviour is separated out from the sense of self, the client will not be as overwhelmed by it and will be more confident to overcome it. The client identifying exceptional circumstances from their past where they have coped with stressful behaviour can effectively undermine the impulse to self-harm.