CBT For Deliberate Self-Harm
Deliberate self-harm is a distressing condition where a person feels compelled to cause injury to their body. Self-harm is often an action that the person believes will relieve their emotional suffering or help them to cope with a traumatic situation or event. It can also be a way that the suffer ‘punishes’ themselves, and self-harm is often closely linked to suicidal thoughts.
Many people who harm themselves try to keep it a secret to avoid discussing the issue, often using clothing or make up to cover up signs of their injuries. They may feel shameful of their actions or fearful that their loved ones may find out.
People who deliberately self-harm may have other emotional health issues that contribute to the problem. Trauma, problems in relationships and depression can all build feelings of anger and self-hatred, and when these feelings threaten to overspill or become difficult to cope with, self-harming can become a way to release tide of emotions.
CBT is an effective therapy for self-harm
Taking the first step in seeking help for self-harm is often the hardest part of the journey. Working with a professional cognitive behavioural therapist who provides a safe and supportive environment, the first step can be less daunting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is an evidence-based form of verbal counselling that encourages those who self-harm to talk about the unhelpful thoughts and feelings they experience and how these determine their behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
A CBT therapist will work with their client on a 1-1 basis and provide the tools and techniques to break down the overwhelming thoughts that lead to an episode of self-injury and replace these negative and harmful feelings to improve the person’s outlook on life.
With the support of the therapist, the individual will begin to see how their thoughts can trigger the action of self-harm and, over time, learn how to recognise their negative thoughts and deal with them in a more positive manner that doesn’t cause harm to their body.
Choose an accredited CBT therapist
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP).
He has helped hundreds of clients to understand the reasons behind their self-harm, giving them the tools to prepare for and manage any future negative thoughts more positively, leading them away from a path of deliberate injury and onto a future filled with hope.
