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 helpSelf-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.
Self-harm can take many forms. Signs may include:
Self-harm is often associated with other difficulties including trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
A range of therapeutic approaches support recovery from self-harm:
All approaches work best with appropriate clinical oversight.
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.
Showing 11 therapies linked to Self-harm thoughts (sensitive).
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Helps people identify the thoughts and triggers behind urges to self-harm and build safer ways to cope and stay grounded. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Offers a confidential space to talk openly about self-harm urges and the distress beneath them, easing isolation and shame. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
strong
|
Where self-harm urges are linked to past trauma, EMDR can help process those memories so they hold less power over the present. |
| ISTDP Practitioner |
strong
|
Works to surface and process the buried feelings that can fuel self-harm, helping reduce the pressure to act on them. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
strong
|
Teaches people to notice rising distress and urges to self-harm without acting, creating a vital pause to choose differently. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Explores the deeper emotional patterns and unmet needs driving self-harm, supporting lasting change over time. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Creative expression can give voice to painful feelings behind self-harm when words are hard, supporting safer release. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
Tapping is sometimes used to ease acute distress linked to self-harm urges; evidence is limited and it is not a substitute for proper care. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Hypnotherapy may help some people manage the tension feeding self-harm urges, but evidence is limited and it should not replace clinical support. |
| Regression Therapist |
moderate
|
This explores past experiences thought to underlie self-harm, but evidence is limited and it is no substitute for appropriate professional care. |
| Tension and Trauma Practitioner |
moderate
|
Gentle body-based release may ease the tension behind self-harm urges for some, though evidence is limited and proper clinical care remains essential. |
No. Self-harm takes many forms and is not always visible. The emotional experience matters as much as the physical.
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.
No. Trained therapists approach self-harm with compassion and without judgement. If you encounter judgement, seek a different practitioner.