Self-harm counseling is aimed at helping individuals who struggle with harming themselves break this pattern by addressing the underlying emotional causes and working to develop new, healthier coping skills. Thriveworks self-harm therapists in Conway, AR 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.
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 Conway therapists can help clients find and address the true emotional roots of their patterns and, from there, effectively adjust unwanted behaviors.
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.
Self-Harm Therapy in Conway, AR—Therapists and Counselors
If you have coped with your pain through self-harm, are you open to a different form of relief? Thriveworks Conway has counselors who have walked with people as they turn from self-harm and experience new forms of relief and healing. Reach out today for help.
Signs Someone May Be Self-Harming
Because of form that self-harm takes can differ from person to person, so can the signs that someone may be hurting themselves. If someone is displaying one or more of the following symptoms, they may be coping with life through self-harm:
- New wounds upon their body—burns, scratches, bruises, brands, or cuts.
- Access to or obsession with weapons that may be used to injure.
- Wearing long-sleeves, jackets, and/or pants even in warm weather.
- Struggling with their identity and purpose—Who am I? Why am I here?
- Displays of unpredictable and impulsive actions.
- Relational challenges with teachers, bosses, family, friends, and more.
- Experiencing emotions such as hopelessness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness.
Why Might Someone Use Self-Injury to Cope?
The specific details of what drives someone to use cutting or other forms of injury are unique, but there are certain situations that could raise a person’s risk. In particular, psychological pain and self-harm are strongly connected. Traumas such as child abuse, domestic violence, neglect, and poverty can spark difficult, emotional turmoil. The psychological pain may involve feelings of confused sexuality, panic, guilt, anger, rejection, worthlessness, and/or self-hatred, and many people struggle to handle these emotions. When people turn to self-harm, they may be seeking…
- Relief from the anxiety.
- Anything to distract themselves from their pain.
- A way to feel more in control of their lives.
- A form of expression for what they have experienced.
- To feel anything, even pain, instead of numbness.
- To punish themselves for their perceived shortcomings.
Someone You Love May Be Cutting
If a family member or friend is using self-harm, you may be in a position to help them heal and be safe. The most helpful actions may also be the most simple. Simply listening and expressing love can help a great deal.
- Listen with empathy: Sometimes being supportive means not doing certain things—not judging, not fixing, not interrupting. If your loved one opens up about their problems, simply listen.
- Articulate your care and support: Tell them how you care about them. If it is appropriate, offer support in tangible ways. Maybe they want a ride to a counseling session. Maybe they need help finding a support group.
Self-Harm Counseling at Thriveworks Conway
Is self-harm the best way you know how to handle the pain you are experiencing? The counselors at Thriveworks understand. We know you are doing you best to process difficulties that you did not choose. When you are ready to learn new coping techniques, we are ready to help.
When you call our office, know that we accept most forms of insurance. New clients often meet with their counselor within the same week of their call to schedule an appointment. We also offer evening and weekend sessions.
Dealing with the traumas and challenges of life is hard enough. Scheduling therapy should be easy. Contact Thriveworks Conway. We are ready to help.
