Self-Harming

Self-harming involves deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or trauma.

It is a serious issue that can lead to physical injury and long-term psychological effects.

Individuals who self-harm may use it as a way to express feelings they cannot put into words or to feel a sense of control. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of self-harming behaviour is crucial for recovery.

UNDERSTANDING
Self-Harming

Self-harming involves deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or trauma.

It is a serious issue that can lead to physical injury and long-term psychological effects.

Individuals who self-harm may use it as a way to express feelings they cannot put into words or to feel a sense of control. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of self-harming behaviour is crucial for recovery.

UNDERSTANDING
Self-Harming

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is highly effective in treating self-harming behaviours, focusing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change harmful thought patterns.

Psychodynamic therapy can uncover underlying emotional issues contributing to self-harming. Mindfulness-based therapies and compassionate self-care practices are also important in promoting healing and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO 

Self-Harming

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is highly effective in treating self-harming behaviours, focusing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change harmful thought patterns.

Psychodynamic therapy can uncover underlying emotional issues contributing to self-harming. Mindfulness-based therapies and compassionate self-care practices are also important in promoting healing and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO 

Self-Harming

Imagine a life where you can cope with emotional pain in healthy and constructive ways.

You feel empowered to manage stress and emotions without resorting to self-harm.

Your physical and emotional well-being improve, and you develop a more positive relationship with yourself.

With the right support and therapy, you can overcome self-harming behaviours and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

A VISION OF LIFE 
BEYOND
SELF-HARMING

Imagine a life where you can cope with emotional pain in healthy and constructive ways.

You feel empowered to manage stress and emotions without resorting to self-harm.

Your physical and emotional well-being improve, and you develop a more positive relationship with yourself.

With the right support and therapy, you can overcome self-harming behaviours and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

A VISION OF LIFE 
BEYOND SELF-HARMING

We offer both online and in-person therapy options, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness to suit your needs. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your home.

Our comfortable and welcoming offices in Putney, London are available for face-to-face sessions, providing a calm environment for your therapy journey.

ONLINE & IN-PERSON

THERAPY

You can also call us and email for more information: 07352 457535 ; info@eloriumpsychologyclinic.com

WE ACCEPT:

We offer both online and in-person therapy options, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness to suit your needs. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your home.

Our comfortable and welcoming offices in Putney,  London are available for face-to-face sessions, providing a calm environment for your therapy journey. 

DO YOU PREFER ONLINE
OR IN-PERSON?

THERAPY

What causes self-harming behaviours?

1

How is self-harming diagnosed?

2

How can I help a loved one who is self-harming?

3

4

When should I seek professional help for self-harming?

FREQUENTLY ASKED 
QUESTIONS

Self-harming behaviours can be caused by a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Factors such as trauma, emotional distress, underlying mental health conditions, and certain personality traits can contribute to self-harming. Self-harm is often used as a coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions, stress, or feelings of numbness.

Self-harming is diagnosed by a healthcare professional through a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a detailed discussion of your behaviours, medical history, and emotional state. Standardised assessment tools and questionnaires may also be used to help identify self-harming behaviours. It is important to address any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to
self-harm.

Supporting a loved one who is self-harming involves understanding and compassion. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to accompany them to appointments if they feel comfortable. Educate yourself about self-harming to better understand their experience. Provide a listening ear and avoid judgement. Encourage healthy coping strategies, such as creative expression, physical activity, and relaxation techniques.

You should seek professional help for self-harming if it causes significant distress, physical injury, or interferes with your daily functioning. If you frequently feel the urge to self-harm, notice the behavior worsening, or experience thoughts of hopelessness or suicide, it is crucial to reach out to a mental health professional immediately.


Self-harming behaviors are serious issues that deeply impact individuals and their families. This FAQ provides essential information on the causes, signs, and effective strategies for addressing self-harm.

Whether you're trying to understand self-harm, support a loved one, or seek professional help for yourself, this guide offers valuable insights to navigate these critical challenges.

What causes self-harming behaviours?

1

FREQUENTLY ASKED 
QUESTIONS

Self-harming behaviors are serious issues that deeply impact individuals and their families.

This FAQ provides essential information on the causes, signs, and effective strategies for addressing self-harm.

Self-harming behaviours can be caused by a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Factors such as trauma, emotional distress, underlying mental health conditions, and certain personality traits can contribute to self-harming. Self-harm is often used as a coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions, stress, or feelings of numbness.

How is self-harming diagnosed?

2

Self-harming is diagnosed by a healthcare professional through a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a detailed discussion of your behaviours, medical history, and emotional state. Standardised assessment tools and questionnaires may also be used to help identify self-harming behaviours. It is important to address any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to

How can I help a loved one who is self-harming?

3

Supporting a loved one who is self-harming involves understanding and compassion. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to accompany them to appointments if they feel comfortable. Educate yourself about self-harming to better understand their experience. Provide a listening ear and avoid judgement. Encourage healthy coping strategies, such as creative expression, physical activity, and relaxation techniques.

ENQUIRY

FORM

Share your current circumstances, and a member of our clinical triage team will promptly respond to discuss the appropriate next steps which will involve scheduling an initial free telephone consultation followed by a review and our unique matching process.  

We strive to provide a response within 24 hours.
You can also call us or message for more information:

07352 457535

Alternatively, you can email us your questions and current situation to info@eloriumpsychologyclinic.com
THANK YOU! 
WE'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SHORTLY
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call the
Emergency Services on 999. They will be able to offer you immediate
support.

  • Contact your GP. Your GP will be able to discuss options to best
support you, including access to crisis care.

  • Telephone The Samaritans on 116123. The Samaritans offer a listening
and confidential phone service to anyone in distress.

ENQUIRY

FORM

Share your current circumstances, and a member of our clinical triage team will promptly respond to discuss the appropriate next steps.

You can also call us or message for more information: 07352 457535
You can also email us:  info@eloriumpsychologyclinic.com
THANK YOU! 
WE'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SHORTLY
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call
999. They will be able to offer you immediate
support.



  • Contact your GP. Your GP will be able to discuss options to best
support you, including access to crisis care.



  • Telephone The Samaritans on 116123. The Samaritans offer a listening
and confidential phone service to anyone in distress.