Self-harm/Suicide
Are you, or is someone close to you self-harming or injuring themselves?
Intentionally hurting yourself is one way to cope with and/or express difficult emotions. Self-harm/injury might be your way of releasing pent-up feelings of distress or other strong emotions. It may be the only way you know, right now, how to cope.
The way I work is by exploring what is at the root of your current distress. In working with the emotions that lead to you self-harm/injuring, together we can identify the triggers that bring on said emotions. With time you will learn preventative ways to deal with the negative triggers and come to understand more fully and regulate your emotions in real-time.
Have you had suicidal thoughts? Are you feeling alone, afraid and unsure of what to do?
Perhaps you do not want to tell anyone that you are feeling suicidal because you’re worried about how they might react? If you hurt your leg or arm you would go to a doctor or hospital or tell someone you knew and ask for help. They would ensure you receive the treatment you need to help you physically recover. Mental health should be regarded in the same way.
If you are in crisis right now, there are 24 hour services available (Samaritans: 116123, Pieta House: 1800247247) For ongoing, weekly, professional support I am available to explore with you the difficulties you are experiencing, identifying what is at the root of your current distress. This may involve discussing practical issues that can make life more manageable, daily living experiences that cause you distress or identifying other triggers that bring on unmanageable, difficult emotions. There is no general, easy or quick fix, everybody is uniquely individual, however with time and through the therapy process you may see noticable changes that enhance your life.