Self-Harming Counselling in 3797

Photo of Grant Moon Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in 3797, VIC
Grant Moon Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Psychotherapy is not just a process of healing it also one of personal growth and awakening to a deeper and richer life. My focus is holistic meaning I work the whole person and enter into your world to help you make sense of your feelings and experiences. Most of our wounds are formed in our early developmental years and have a deep impact on our sense of self. Therapy creates a safe place to explore and more deeply understand these traumas and develop strategies to help liberate us from suffering.
Psychotherapy is not just a process of healing it also one of personal growth and awakening to a deeper and richer life. My focus is holistic meaning I work the whole person and enter into your world to help you make sense of your feelings and experiences. Most of our wounds are formed in our early developmental years and have a deep impact on our sense of self. Therapy creates a safe place to explore and more deeply understand these traumas and develop strategies to help liberate us from suffering.
(03) 5906 9523 View (03) 5906 9523
Photo of Michele McCallum, Psychologist in 3797, VIC
Michele McCallum
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
I provide support for children, young people, adults, couples, and families for issues including: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, eating disorders, ASD, school refusal, Substance use, grief and loss and carer support. I will work with you to identify challenges and strengths, to consider options and implement strategies suited to your needs.
I provide support for children, young people, adults, couples, and families for issues including: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, eating disorders, ASD, school refusal, Substance use, grief and loss and carer support. I will work with you to identify challenges and strengths, to consider options and implement strategies suited to your needs.
(03) 8797 2431 View (03) 8797 2431
Self-Harming Counsellors

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behaviour therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.