Understanding Emotional Distress and Self Harm
Sometimes our emotions can feel confusing, overwhelming or difficult to put into words. We may know that something doesn’t feel right but struggle to understand what we’re feeling or why. At other times, we may understand exactly how we’re feeling, but find those emotions incredibly difficult to manage. Life experiences, relationships, loss, trauma, mental health difficulties, and ongoing pressures can all leave us feeling emotionally overwhelmed in different ways.
For some people, self harm can become a way of coping with emotional distress. Everyone’s experience is different, and there is often much more going on beneath the surface than others may realise. When other ways of coping feel out of reach, self harm can become part of how someone manages difficult or overwhelming emotions.
The relationship someone has with self harm can feel deeply personal and sometimes conflicting. Part of you may want things to change, while another part may feel frightened about letting go of something that has helped you cope. These mixed feelings are more common than people often realise. Having a safe space to explore them can help you make sense of what’s happening.
There’s no single story behind self harm
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling isn’t about taking away your coping strategy before you’re ready. Instead, it’s about taking the time to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
Together we can explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences that may be contributing to your distress. This can help you build self-understanding and develop other ways of managing difficult emotions when the time feels right.
There is no pressure to have everything figured out, or to make changes before you’re ready. We will work together at a pace that feels right for you, creating a space where curiosity, compassion and understanding can help you make sense of your experiences.
My experience has shown me that meaningful change often begins with feeling safe enough to explore and understand what’s happening.
If you feel counselling might be helpful, or you’d like to find out more, you’re very welcome to get in touch
For Parents
Discovering that your child is self harming can be frightening. Many parents describe feeling shocked, confused, helpless or unsure what to do next. These reactions are completely understandable.
You don’t need to have all the answers straight away. Taking the time to gently understand what may be happening beneath the surface can help both you and your child feel less alone. With the right support and understanding, it is possible to move forwards together.
If you are considering counselling for your young person, you’re very welcome to get in touch with me before booking an appointment. You can contact me to find out more about how I work, ask any questions you might have, and discuss whether my service might be a good fit for your young person.
I also offer Parent Information Sessions for parents, carers and others supporting someone who is struggling with self harm. These sessions provide an opportunity to gain information, explore ways of offering support and consider what might help.