Self Harm Counselling in Brighton and Online
Whether you’re seeking self harm counselling in Brighton or would prefer online therapy from the comfort of your own home, I’m here to help you take those first steps toward understanding yourself and finding new ways to cope.
What is Self Harm?
Self harm describes any act of intentionally causing pain or injury as a way of managing emotional distress. It’s more common than many people realise, and it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
For some, self harm can feel like the only way to express intense emotions or to find relief when everything feels overwhelming. For others, it may be a way to regain control, or to cope with feelings that feel too big or too painful to put into words.
Some reasons people might turn to self harm include:
- Coping with strong emotions such as anger, guilt, sadness or shame
- Living with the effects of trauma, abuse, neglect, or childhood trauma
- Feelings of isolation, loneliness or low self worth
- Difficulties in relationships or identity
- Experiences of rejection, loss or helplessness
How Counselling Can Help with Self Harm
Therapy for self harm is not about judgement or being told to stop. It’s about understanding what lies beneath – the emotions, memories, or unmet needs that drive the behaviour.
In counselling, we can work together to:
- Explore the emotional meaning behind self harm
- Develop alternative ways to manage distress and regulate emotions
- Build self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame
- Understand the roots of difficult thoughts and behaviours
- Strengthen your sense of identity and connection with others
My approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational, which means we explore how your past experiences and relationships influence your present emotions and coping patterns. This deeper understanding can help you to begin making lasting changes and to feel more at ease within yourself.
Self Harm Counselling in Brighton and Online
I offer therapy for self harm in person in Brighton and online throughout the UK.
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place weekly, providing consistency and a sense of safety as we work together.
If you’re unsure about starting therapy, or if you’ve had counselling before that didn’t feel quite right, we can begin with a short phone call to see if working together might be a good fit.
A safe space to understand and begin to heal
Self harm is often a sign of deep emotional pain, but it’s also a signal that something within you is asking to be understood.
Therapy can help you make sense of what’s happening and begin to build a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
If you’re ready to take the next step, or simply want to find out more, please get in touch to arrange a brief call.
If you are in crisis now
If you have or feel like you might harm yourself right now, you need urgent medical attention. Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, go to A&E, call your crisis team or your GP.
Questions About Self Harm Counselling
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. You might have questions about how counselling for self harm works, whether it’s right for you, or what happens in a session. Below are some of the questions people often ask before beginning self harm counselling in Brighton or online.
Can therapy help me if I’m still self harming?
Yes. You don’t have to have stopped self harming before coming to therapy. Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to explore what’s behind the behaviour – the emotions, experiences, and needs that may feel too difficult to manage alone. Together, we can work towards understanding and change at your own pace.
Is online therapy suitable for self harm?
Yes. Online counselling for self harm can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Many people find it helpful to talk from their own home, where they feel comfortable and in control. I offer both online and face-to-face sessions (if you’re local to Brighton) so you can choose what feels right for you.
What kind of therapy do you offer for self harm?
My work is rooted in psychodynamic and relational counselling, which means we explore how your past experiences, relationships, and emotions shape your current patterns of coping. This approach, over time, can help you build awareness, compassion, and more stable ways of managing distress.
How long does it take to work?
There is no set timeframe – it depends on your goals and experiences. Some people come for a few months to focus on specific issues, while others continue longer-term to deepen self-understanding and strengthen emotional resilience. We can discuss what feels right for you as our work develops.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy remains confidential within professional and ethical boundaries. I provide a safe, private space where you can talk freely without judgement.