San Francisco Therapy for "Cutting" Behavior
For Teenagers and Adults
Self Injury – “Cutting”
It’s not just “cutting.” Self-injury is the deliberate harm, mutilation, injury of the body or a body part, without the intent to commit suicide. The harm, injury or mutilation serves a purpose and can involve cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, biting, kicking, head banging and pulling hair out.
Why do people self-harm?
- to release tension
- to express anger, or other unacceptable feelings
- to "numb out"
- to feel "alive"
- to have control
- to relieve feelings of emptiness
- to stop "bad" thoughts
- to calm down
- to feel euphoric
What you can do
- be available to provide emotional support
- don't get angry
- listen without saying anything back
- try to understand
- don't punish or lecture
- don't hide objects of harm
- don't assume anything
- don't be intrusive (snooping, invade privacy)
- no blaming or guilt trips
Kirsten works extensively with adults and teenagers who are or have self-injured to find ways to manage and process distressing emotions rather than act in self-destructive ways. If you or a loved one is self-injuring, you should take this behavior seriously and seek professional help. If you are a parent considering having your teenager see a therapist, here are some common questions that teens have about therapy. It can be difficult to stop this behavior without the help of a professional who understands how to work with self-injury.