Counselling for Self Harm

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide therapy for adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire, including Bangor, Illawong, Alfords Point, Barden Ridge, Engadine, Woronora Heights, Sylvania, Kirrawee, Gymea, Miranda and Caringbah. 

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Self-harm describes behaviours used to cope with emotional pain, distress or feelings that feel too overwhelming or difficult to express. These behaviours can occur during adolescence, when emotions feel intense and difficult to regulate, and they may continue into adulthood, as a response to long-standing stress, trauma or emotional numbness. While self-harm may bring momentary relief, it can lead to increased distress, shame or isolation over time.

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Self-harming behaviours may include cutting, burning, hitting, interfering with wound healing, substance misuse or disordered eating. In adolescents, these behaviours often develop in response to overwhelming emotions, interpersonal stress or difficulty expressing feelings verbally. In adults, self-harm may present differently, such as through high-risk behaviours, substance misuse or ongoing self-neglect. 

 

There is no single cause of self-harm. In adolescents, self-harm is often linked to anxiety, intense emotions, relationship difficulties, trauma or peer stress. In adults, it may relate to long-term emotional patterns, unresolved trauma, depression, chronic stress or feelings of shame or numbness. For both groups, self-harm can become a way to express unspoken emotions or temporarily manage psychological discomfort.

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Our clinicians draw on evidence-based therapies that help young people and adults reduce urges to self-harm, strengthen emotional resilience and develop safer ways of coping. These may include:

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotion Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Schema Therapy
• Trauma-informed approaches
• DBT-informed distress tolerance and emotion-regulation skills

 

Therapy explores the emotions driving self-harm, increases awareness of triggers and introduces strategies to manage distress without turning to harmful behaviours. 

 

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to request an appointment.

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If you are worried about immediate risk, please call 000. For 24/7 crisis care, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you are concerned about the safety of a child or adolescent, you can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, available 24/7.