Understanding Self-Harm and Its Impact
Every year, over 200,000 people attend hospital in England due to self-harm incidents (NHS Digital). This statistic highlights just how widespread and serious self-harming behaviours are.
While self-harm is not a mental illness in itself, it is often a sign of deeper emotional distress. Many individuals who self-harm do so as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, past trauma, or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Self-harm can manifest in many different ways, including:
- Cutting, scratching, or burning the skin
- Hitting oneself or punching walls
- Poisoning or overdosing
- Preventing wounds from healing
- Engaging in risky behaviours with the intent to cause harm
Despite the myths surrounding self-harm, it is not necessarily a suicide attempt. However, it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours if left unaddressed.
Seeking help is essential, and therapy offers a structured, professional way to break the cycle of self-harm while addressing the root causes.
Why People Struggle with Self-Harm
People who self-harm often feel trapped in a cycle of distress and relief. The act of self-harm can temporarily provide a sense of release from emotional pain, but the relief is short-lived, often replaced by guilt, shame, and further distress.
Over time, this pattern can become a habitual coping mechanism that feels difficult to break.
Common challenges faced by individuals who self-harm include:
- Difficulty regulating emotions – Intense feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration can feel overwhelming, making self-harm seem like the only option.
- Fear of being judged – The stigma surrounding self-harm can prevent people from seeking support.
- Lack of alternative coping strategies – Without healthy emotional regulation techniques, people may struggle to replace self-harming behaviours.
- Underlying mental health conditions – Anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders can contribute to self-harming tendencies.
At Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, we understand these challenges and provide a safe, non-judgemental space where individuals can explore their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
How Therapy Can Help Break the Cycle
Therapy provides an opportunity to explore the thoughts and emotions that drive self-harming behaviours, understand their root causes, and develop alternative strategies for managing distress.
At Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies, taking an integrative approach to ensure each client receives the most effective treatment tailored to their needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Self-Harm
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for treating self-harm. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends structured psychological interventions like CBT.
CBT works by identifying the thoughts, emotions, and triggers that lead to self-injury and challenging unhelpful beliefs.
Through CBT, clients can:
- Learn to recognise negative thought patterns and reframe them into healthier perspectives.
- Develop alternative coping strategies, such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, and emotion regulation skills.
- Reduce impulsive behaviours by increasing awareness of triggers.
Research suggests that CBT can significantly reduce self-harming episodes and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
For individuals whose self-harming behaviours stem from trauma, EMDR can be particularly beneficial. This structured therapy helps process distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity, allowing clients to move past painful experiences without resorting to self-injury.
EMDR involves guided eye movements that stimulate the brain’s natural ability to heal from trauma. This technique has been highly effective for people with PTSD, childhood trauma, and complex emotional pain that may contribute to self-harming behaviours.
Hypnotherapy for Self-Harm
Hypnotherapy offers another valuable approach, particularly for those who struggle with deep-seated emotional distress.
Using guided relaxation techniques, hypnotherapy helps clients access subconscious thought patterns and replace negative beliefs with more positive, constructive ones.
Through hypnotherapy, clients can:
- Reduce feelings of anxiety and distress.
- Strengthen self-esteem and self-worth.
- Develop new, healthier ways to process emotions.
When combined with other therapies, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for long-term change.
A Personalised Approach to Recovery
At Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, we recognise that no single approach works for everyone. That’s why we use an integrative model, blending techniques from different therapies to create a personalised treatment plan.
This ensures that each client receives the support that best suits their needs, whether it involves CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, or a combination of approaches.
Our therapists work collaboratively with clients, adapting interventions based on progress and preferences. This flexible approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment and empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey.
Building New Coping Strategies
Breaking free from self-harm requires learning and practising new coping mechanisms. Some strategies we encourage include:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques – These can help manage overwhelming emotions without resorting to self-harm.
- Journaling and expressive writing – Putting thoughts and feelings into words can be a powerful way to process emotions. You can get a FREE Yearly Journal at this link!
- Creative therapies – Art, music, or movement-based therapies can provide alternative outlets for emotional expression.
- Healthy communication skills – Learning to express emotions openly and assertively reduces the need for self-harming as a form of expression.
Our therapists provide guidance and support in implementing these strategies, ensuring clients have a variety of tools to manage difficult emotions.
Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Help
It’s not always easy to reach out for help. Many individuals who self-harm feel a sense of shame or fear being misunderstood. At Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, we provide a compassionate and non-judgemental space where clients can feel safe to explore their emotions and experiences.
We encourage anyone struggling with self-harm to take that first step towards healing. Therapy can provide the skills, support, and understanding needed to break free from self-harm and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery
If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, know that help is available. At Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, we are committed to offering professional, evidence-based support tailored to individual needs.
Reach out to us today to begin your journey towards healing. Together, we can work towards lasting recovery and emotional well-being.