Treating self-harm cases
To treat self-harming, psychotherapy is usually needed in order to work on the following points:
Identifying the purpose of the self-harm. Understanding why an adolescent self-harms is essential to help them find alternatives.
Exploring the immediate triggers, consequences and the factors that maintain the self-harming behaviour.
Recognising predisposing factors that increase the risk of self-harm, such as experiences of abuse, neglect or the presence of a psychiatric condition.
Identify and accept different emotions as part of the normal life cycle.
Learning alternative ways of managing intense emotions.
Developing acceptance strategies.
Increase pleasant daily activities that provide positive energy.
Take care of the body. Eat regularly, exercise, ensure sleep hours, ...
Take care of the mind. Identify personal values and vital objectives.
Developing communication skills and social relations.
In some cases, medication may be required to treat associated symptoms such as anxiety, depression or psychosis.
The results of therapy will be more positive if:
- The self-harming person is motivated and committed to the treatment.
- The different professionals involved in the case work together.
- There is a plan to monitor the patient and avoid relapses.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 30 October 2019
Updated: 22 September 2025
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