Self-Harm

I have 8 years of experience working with individuals that have significant urges to harm themselves or are experiencing suicidal ideation. I think that recognition, honesty, openness, and having a supportive ally, are really important steps in beginning the path of challenging self harm urges and actions.

Often those who suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD) or have a history of abuse, also suffer from self-harm. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is indicated to help relieve these behaviors which stem from finding a way to cope any way one can. While self-harm starts as a way to manage difficult emotions and/or experiences, shame and self-loathing often accompany the behaviors. Our DBT program at HHC&W and training in trauma-informed care is most helpful for this concern.

Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a need for better coping skills. Several illnesses are associated with it, including borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety or posttraumatic distress disorder. Self-harm isn’t the same as attempting suicide. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously.

An area of interest for me, working with adults and adolescents to learn replacement behaviors. Some additional training in this area.

Whether through cutting, hitting, or using a "good" behavior to the point of hurting ones self, many people will try to soothe distressing emotions or thoughts by hurting themself, usually beginning in their teen years. In session, we will talk through the purpose of the behavior, what it "gives", and find safer alternatives to achieve the same goals, while also working through the pain which led to the self-harm in the first place.

Self-injury is one of the most misunderstood of all coping strategies. Self-injury is most often an attempt to both regulate and tolerate intolerable feelings. It also communicates psychological pain and suffering through the more recognizable and understandable physical pain. Both self-injury and eating disorders are common among LGBTQ folx, especially those who identify under the trans umbrella. Learning to understand what problem the self-injury is attempting to solve is key to healing.

Building skills and supports to cope with emotional pain, suffering, and numbness; increasing positive meaningful life experiences

When a person becomes overwhelmed and distressed, they may look to various avenues of relief to reduce their uncomfortable feelings, including self-harm. Self harming behaviors can be seen as a coping skill that a person acquires when they do not have other tools in their toolbox to navigate the challenges they may face. When working to address self harm, the main focus of treatment is finding new coping skills that encourage healing and help keep a person safe when facing distress.

Recognizing the sensitive and often stigmatized nature of self-harm, I am committed to creating a supportive and validating environment where clients can explore the underlying emotional pain, distress, and triggers that contribute to their self-harming behaviors. I aim to provide a therapeutic experience that promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the development of healthier and more adaptive ways of coping with distress and emotional pain.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked within acute mental/behavioral health care at Seattle Children's Hospital for four years. Many individuals I saw were working through self-harm behaviors and suicidality.

I specialize in working with individuals who self harm and/or experience suicidal ideation

Self-harm can serve several functions for people; one of the most common functions is to regulate intense emotion. It often occurs when our rational brain is completely shut down and we are feeling a strong desire to escape the emotional experience. I have worked with many individuals over the years who self-harm, and I know many tools that can help you learn replacement behaviors that won't cause additional damage. There is hope, I promise!

Moving From Self-Harm to Self-Care: Learn coping strategies to conquer harmful habits. *Are you struggling with self-harm, such as suicidal thoughts, self-injury, substance abuse, toxic relationships, or other harmful behaviors? *Have you tried to make a change on your own, but had trouble following through? Get support in crafting your own self-care plan to live a healthier and more satisfying life.

If you are self-harming or you have a loved one who is self-harming it can be hard for both of you to understand. I have found that most who self-harm want a better way to cope with their emotions, but it sometimes feels impossible to stop self-harming. Whether that is because it has become a habit, it feels good, or you feel that you have no other way of dealing with life. I work with individuals from 12 years-old to adults on learning coping skills to replace self-harming using DBT.

One of my areas of expertise is on the topic of self-harm, or self-injury. I have done extensive research, including a tiny phenomenological study on the experience of self-injury in queer individuals. I have also been a member of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) in the past and presented my research on self-harm.

I have completed training and have been effectively working with individuals who struggle with self-injury for several years.