Photo of Colin David Runge, Licensed Professional Counselor in 80302, CO
Colin David Runge
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC, MA
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
"I am someone who genuinely cares about my clients and am involved in this work because I want to be there for you. I'd like to congratulate you already on taking the first step in therapy." Colin advocates a well-rounded lifestyle as a professional counselor and in his personal life, and believes that overcoming any life problem requires a lifestyle change. Colin has a wide range of mental health competencies, and uses empirically based - or scientifically proven - methods. Hours are set to most convenience his client's and only a limited number of clients are accepted at one time in order to commit to their progress.
"I am someone who genuinely cares about my clients and am involved in this work because I want to be there for you. I'd like to congratulate you already on taking the first step in therapy." Colin advocates a well-rounded lifestyle as a professional counselor and in his personal life, and believes that overcoming any life problem requires a lifestyle change. Colin has a wide range of mental health competencies, and uses empirically based - or scientifically proven - methods. Hours are set to most convenience his client's and only a limited number of clients are accepted at one time in order to commit to their progress.
(303) 276-3052 View (303) 276-3052
Self-Harming Therapists

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 behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior 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.