Self-Harm: Why do we do it?

In this video I am going to talk about Self Harm, what it is, why it happens and who is most at risk.

There are 2 types of self-harm, discrete episodes where someone hurts themselves by either cutting, burning, hitting or poisoning themselves and ongoing mistreatment which has become part of a person’s daily routine e.g. alcohol abuse, eating disordered behaviour. This video deals with the first of these types.
Self-harm is when someone intentionally causes harm to themselves when they are distressed and that harm reduces their distress in the short term. The person that is harming themselves is often unable to tell anyone what they are doing and if they do others are often unable to listen or understand. It is also usually the case that the urge to self-harm is impossible to resist.
Self-harm is usually a way of coping with distress or of communicating that distress to others and their need help. The physical pain can feel more bearable than the emotional pain, it can act as a release for emotional pain and/or a distraction. The physical pain can also help people feel more in control of their feelings which can be comforting i.e. I have decided to feel physical rather than emotional pain.
Those most at risk include people with Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression and those experience high levels of anxiety/stress without adequate support.

If you have any questions then please post your comments below and I will do my best to help.

In the meantime, for more useful information visit:
https://www.thebritishcbtcounsellingservice.com/our-services/counselling-for-self-harm/

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** MORE ABOUT ME **
I am the Lead Clinical Psychologist at The British CBT & Counselling Service and find that I am often the first person with whom my patients share significant and intimate thoughts and memories. I feel at ease being a therapist, I feel I can empathise with people’s distress and discomfort but don’t feel overwhelmed by it, I can understand their problem and know how to help, it has always just felt like what I should be doing.
If you are interested in reading more then you may find my blog articles useful: https://www.thebritishcbtcounsellingservice.com/author/dr-emma-gray/

** ABOUT THE BRITISH CBT & COUNSELLING SERVICE **
The British CBT & Counselling Service are Doctors of Clinical and Counselling Psychology specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults and children. Featuring 12 Clinics in London, Great Missenden and Nottingham as well as offering counselling online via Skype, the BCBT provide a team of fully qualified therapists and psychologists that offer a range of psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
For more information visit: https://www.thebritishcbtcounsellingservice.com

** BOOKS I HAVE WRITTEN **
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Treatment Guide:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Eating-Disorders/dp/0521672481/
How to Get Pregnant Fast:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Pregnant-Fast-Emma-Gray/dp/024431263X/

** USEFUL LINKS **
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The BCBT Service ► https://www.thebritishcbtcounsellingservice.com/
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