This page covers a sensitive topic. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

Mental health Symptom

Self-harm thoughts (sensitive)

Thoughts of self-harm are more common than many people realise and can feel frightening and isolating. Talking therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed approaches can help address the underlying distress and develop healthier coping strategies. If you are in immediate distress, please reach out to a crisis service.

See therapies that may help

What is Self-harm thoughts (sensitive)?

Self-harm refers to intentionally hurting oneself as a way of coping with overwhelming emotional pain, distress, or numbness. It is not usually an attempt to end one's life, but rather a way of managing feelings that feel unmanageable.

Thoughts of self-harm — even without acting on them — are a signal that a person is struggling significantly and deserves compassionate, non-judgemental support. Recovery is absolutely possible.

Signs and symptoms

Self-harm can take many forms. Signs may include:

Cuts, burns, bruises, or other marks on the body
Wearing concealing clothing in warm weather
Withdrawal from friends and family
Intense emotional experiences including shame, numbness, dissociation, or overwhelming distress
A pattern of temporary relief followed by guilt
Significant difficulty with emotional regulation

Self-harm is often associated with other difficulties including trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

How therapy can help

A range of therapeutic approaches support recovery from self-harm:

CBT and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) — the most evidenced approaches, developing distress tolerance skills and healthier coping strategies
Trauma-informed psychotherapy and EMDR — address underlying trauma that commonly underlies self-harm
Arts therapy — provides non-verbal expression and is widely used in self-harm recovery
Mindfulness-based approaches — support emotional regulation and distress tolerance
Counselling — provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore underlying feelings

All approaches work best with appropriate clinical oversight.

Seeking help

Please seek support if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or have been harming yourself. A GP is a good starting point.

Crisis support is available 24/7 from the Samaritans (116 123) and the Crisis Text Line (text SHOUT to 85258). Complementary therapists work best alongside, not instead of, clinical care for self-harm.

Therapies that may help with Self-harm thoughts (sensitive)

Therapy	Evidence	Notes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist	strong	Core use for self-harm thoughts.
Counsellor	strong	Core use for self-harm thoughts.
EMDR Practitioner	strong	Core use for self-harm recovery.
Psychotherapist	strong	Core use for self-harm thoughts.
Arts Therapist	moderate	Arts therapy for self-harm recovery.
ISTDP Practitioner	strong	ISTDP for self-harm recovery.
Mindfulness Practitioner	strong	Mindfulness for self-harm recovery.
EFT Practitioner	moderate	EFT for self-harm recovery.
Havening Techniques Practitioner	moderate	Havening for self-harm recovery.
Hypnotherapist	moderate	Used for self-harm recovery alongside psychological therapy.
Matrix Reimprinting Practitioner	moderate	Matrix reimprinting for self-harm recovery.
Meditation Practitioner	moderate	Meditation for self-harm recovery.
Psy-Tap Practitioner	moderate	Psy TaP for self-harm recovery.
Regression Therapist	moderate	Regression therapy for self-harm recovery.
Tension and Trauma Practitioner	moderate	TRE for self-harm recovery.
Though Field Therapy Practitioner	moderate	TFT for self-harm.

Frequently asked questions

Is self-harm always visible?

No. Self-harm takes many forms and is not always visible. The emotional experience matters as much as the physical.

Can I see a therapist without telling my GP?

Yes, you can access private therapy without GP involvement. However, for safety and the best outcomes, a joined-up approach with your GP is usually recommended.

Will a therapist judge me for self-harming?

No. Trained therapists approach self-harm with compassion and without judgement. If you encounter judgement, seek a different practitioner.

Find a therapist for Self-harm thoughts (sensitive)

Connect with a qualified therapist who has experience helping people with self-harm thoughts (sensitive).

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Also known as

Self-harm