Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Self-harm is a painful and often misunderstood coping mechanism. For those who struggle with it, the physical act may offer temporary relief — but it never addresses the real source of pain. If you or someone you love is self-harming, know this: you are not alone, and support is available. With the right therapy for self harm, healing is not only possible — it’s likely.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Carla Weismantel is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Self Harm, Body Image, Grief and Loss.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Psychologist
Remote only
Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey. They treat Self Harm, Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia), Separation Anxiety Disorder.
Hello! I'm Dr. Alyssa Austern and I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in couples and family therapy, as well as individual therapy across the lif
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
486 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440
Ada Wang is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They treat Self Harm, Drug Use, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Self Harm, Self-Esteem, Bullying.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282
Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Self Harm, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Insomnia.
Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230
Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Self Harm, Gender Identity, Loneliness/Isolation.
I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.
Self-harm refers to the deliberate act of hurting oneself, usually as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, inner turmoil, or a sense of numbness. It can take many forms: cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or even interfering with wound healing. While it may seem shocking from the outside, for the person doing it, self-harm is often a desperate attempt to find relief, control, or emotional release.
People self-harm for a variety of reasons:
It’s critical to understand that self-harm is not attention-seeking or manipulative behavior. It’s usually secretive and often tied to deep internal struggles. That’s why counseling for self harm is focused not only on stopping the behavior but on uncovering and healing its emotional roots.
No — while self-harm and suicide attempts may sometimes overlap, they are not the same. Most people who self-harm are not trying to end their life. Rather, they are trying to cope with emotional pain, not escape life altogether.
However, self-harming behavior can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts over time, especially if the underlying issues are not addressed. That’s why it’s so important to take self-harm seriously — even if the person insists they’re “fine” or not suicidal.
Therapy for self harm provides tools to manage distress in safer, more sustainable ways and helps reduce the risk of escalation.
Self-harm is often hidden due to shame or fear of judgment. Still, there are signs that may suggest someone is struggling:
If you notice these signs, it doesn’t automatically mean someone is self-harming — but it’s a signal to check in gently and nonjudgmentally.
Yes. Self-harm doesn’t discriminate. People who self-harm can be high achievers, professionals, caregivers, or outwardly happy individuals. Many become experts at masking their emotional pain.
This is why self harm therapists focus not just on visible distress, but also on subtle emotional struggles like perfectionism, self-criticism, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. Just because someone is functioning on the outside doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting inside.
It’s important to create safe spaces — through therapy or trusted relationships — where people can drop the mask and explore what’s really going on.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Self Harm and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
