Photo of The Dot Canada, Registered Psychotherapist in L2S, ON
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Catharines, ON L2S  (Online Only)
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
(249) 488-1297 View (249) 488-1297
Photo of Amanda Riley- Registered Psychotherapist + Clinical Supervisor, Registered Psychotherapist in L2S, ON
Amanda Riley- Registered Psychotherapist + Clinical Supervisor
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, (Hons), Psych, MA, MHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Catharines, ON L2S  (Online Only)
I know you want to feel empowered on the path to recovery. In order to do that, you need coping skills to manage your everyday life. I help people who feel stuck in some areas of their lives. There are many different ways that we can get stuck. Maybe it is a behaviour that you are having a hard time changing. Maybe it is an emotional state you can't get rid of. Or perhaps you have relationship difficulties that won't go away even though you've tried everything.
I know you want to feel empowered on the path to recovery. In order to do that, you need coping skills to manage your everyday life. I help people who feel stuck in some areas of their lives. There are many different ways that we can get stuck. Maybe it is a behaviour that you are having a hard time changing. Maybe it is an emotional state you can't get rid of. Or perhaps you have relationship difficulties that won't go away even though you've tried everything.
(289) 203-0758 View (289) 203-0758

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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.