Self-Harm in Littleton, CO—Therapy and Counseling
Heartbreaking circumstances often plague people who self-injure. They often have faced victimization, abandonment, trauma, poverty, and more, and they may not know another way to express their experiences and their feelings than through physical pain. These experiences are not their fault, and many people are doing their best to cope.
There is an old saying, “When we know better, we do better.” Many people who have used self-harm as a coping mechanism in the past are learning new coping skills. These skills allow them to handle their difficult circumstances and emotions in a life-giving and hope-filled way. For support as they learn, many people are also working with a therapist or counselor. That is why Thriveworks Littleton offers appointments for self-harm. We have worked with many clients as they discover different ways to express their emotions. If you think you could benefit from self-harm counseling, reach out to Thriveworks Littleton today to get started.
Self-Inflicted Wounds: Symptoms and Signs
The signs and symptoms that somebody may be cutting can vary greatly from individual to individual because the forms of self-harm can vary. Many people associate self-harm with cutting, but self-inflicted wounds can take many forms, including scratching, carving, burning, tattooing, branding, pinching, and punching. In some cases, people pull their out or interfere with a wound that is healing. Typical signs that someone may be coping through self-harm include:
- Using clothing to hide wounds—wearing long pants and sleeves even during hot weather.
- New, raw wounds such as burns, cuts, bruises, scratches, lacerations, et cetera.
- Owning or gaining access to sharp objects or weapons that can cause the injuries.
- Toxic or challenging relationships with family, friends, co-workers, teachers, and more.
- Nagging questions concerning one’s existence, identity, or purpose.
- Behaviors that are unpredictable and impulsive.
- Persistent feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
Possible Causes of Self-Harm
One common thread that is woven through almost every case of self-harm is psychological pain. What has caused the agony will be unique to each individual, but the accompanying emotional torment is not. Possibly, people who cut have been abused or neglected as a child. Possibly, they have faced poverty or trauma. These circumstances can trigger panic, guilt, anxiety, worthlessness, loneliness, anger, confused sexuality, fear, rejection, or self-hatred.
As people process their psychological pain, self-harm may be the best way they know how to cope and…
- Divert their attention from the pain.
- Ease their panic.
- Feel in control.
- Escape their feelings of numbness—even through pain.
- Express their experiences and emotions.
- Blame themselves for their experience.
Therapy and Counseling for Self-Harm at Thriveworks Littleton
As you read through this information on self-harm, did anything resonate with your experience? If you or someone you care for is using cutting to cope with difficult circumstances and emotions, you are not alone. Many people have used self-harm as a coping mechanism, but many people are also learning new ways to handle life’s pain.
If you are ready to work with a therapist or counselor, know that Thriveworks Littleton offers appointments for cutting and self-harm. When you call our office, you may have your first appointment the same week. We do not keep waitlists, but we offer weekend and evening appointments. Our office also accepts most forms of insurance.
If you are ready to begin a healing process, we are ready to walk with you. Contact Thriveworks Littleton today.
