Self Harm

There are different ways people self harm, though the most common would be a self inflicted physical injury, such as cutting or bruising in an attempt to alter a mood. There are some misconceptions around self harm. One is that it is a way of seeking attention, whereas the truth is most people who self harm go to great lengths to hide their injuries, in fact they may create elaborate excuses for them. Another belief would be that it is perhaps a suicide attempt whereas it is more likely a coping mechanism, an alternative which provides temporary relief, a distraction from the difficulties the person is experiencing.

Self harm is a pattern of behavior which needs to be broken. It is a response to a particular emotion. Counselling can help someone who self harms talk through their problems and learn what is at the root of the need to harm themselves in a safe non-judgmental environment. It can also help develop more appropriate ways of managing those difficult emotions, ways of soothing or distracting, ways of channeling emotions into something creative and constructive. As self harm is often an impulsive behaviour counselling can also help develop strategies to help deal with any relapses which may occur.