how would a therapist deal with self harm?

Question

(cutting). what would they say? what do they ask?

Answer 1

Well, I can't speak for every therapist, but here is what I would do: First, explore deeper issues and the reasons for cutting (and of course make sure the the person is not suicidal and/or see if there needs to be a safety plan), then I would give the person techniques to use to help stop cutting until the deeper issues causing the need to cut could be resolved or dealt with in a healthier way.

Some techniques would include: Snapping a rubber band on the wrist, holding an ice cube on the skin, using a red marker to symbolize the blood, physical activity or exercise, and any other way that the person can express their pain in a physical way with out hurting themselves (or hurting themselves seriously).

Obviously you would start with the techniques that are the most similar to cutting and work towards healthier ways of coping.

Another thing I teach cutters is to begin to deal with their stress and emotions before they become so overwhelming. I ask them to try to become more aware of the particular thoughts and feelings they experience when cutting, and then try to become more aware of when these thoughts and emotions start to build. Then we think of things they can do to deal with these feelings before they become so overwhelming that all they want to do is cut.

I also like to help them rationalize some of these overwhelming feelings and use their thoughts to control their emotions. This works very well with clients who are depressed, because often people experience very irrational thoughts when they are depressed. ("Nobody loves me." "Things will never get better." The thoughts are often much more specific, but you get the idea.)

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

They would help figure out where the need to cut is coming from and what the source of the person's pain really is. Self mutilation can be a way of dealing with tension and aggression or other control issues. Please don't worry about what a therapist might say or ask, anything they talk about with you is confidential and if you get a therapist who you don't connect with don't give up, get a different one. Keep asking questions until you get the answers you need.

Answer 3

Each therapist is different. But most would be concerned and caring. They would ask about how you feel and how many times you do it. They would even try and give you a safety plan in case something happens.

Don't be afraid. If you find a therapist that you trust, they can really help you. You might explore why you do it and what happened before and after you cut yourself.

They will be nice.

Answer 4

i cut too and my therapist just care only about herself

Answer 5

They would ask about other signs of borderline personality disorder.