 Self-Harm
Self-Harm is used as a method of self-expression, intentionally hurting one’s self can express difficult emotions within. It is also used as a way to release pent up emotions of anger and stress. It may be seen as the only way to cope, it may seem like the only outlet. Afterward the person may feel better; the hurting has distracted away those ‘hurts in my heart’. But inevitably the painful feelings will return and the person will have to hurt themselves again.
 The problem is that the relief that comes from self-harming doesn’t last very long. It’s like slapping on a Band-Aid when what you really need are stitches. It may temporarily stop the bleeding, but it doesn’t fix the underlying injury. And it also creates its own problems.
Teens who cut themselves are rarely trying to kill themselves. But this should not be taken for granted. The act of cutting or scratching is most likely, a coping mechanism for dealing with strong emotions, intense pressure or the stresses of social interaction in places like school and with the significant relationships in life, parents and / or a partner. This happens because either he or she hasn't developed effective ways to cope or existing coping skills may be overpowered by intense emotions.
Being overwhelmed by particularly troubling feelings is released by cutting. Unfortunately, any relief will be temporary. The person will already know that whatever troubles triggered them to cut will still remain; and will only be briefly masked.
Self-harming can become a compulsive behaviour because the brain starts to connect the false sense of relief from bad feelings with the act of cutting, and it craves this relief the next time the tension builds. The worry is that the person will fall into a habit of using cutting and self-harm as a means of dealing with emotional stress or pain
Recent research has shown that deliberate self-harm in older people can be frequently regarded as a failed suicide attempts.
The Therapy: The presenting issue will be dealt with in a relaxed initial consultation which will allow for all aspects of the therapeutic process to be discussed and all questions answered openly, fully and confidentially.
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