At Stems Therapy Collective, we recognize the immense difficulty that self-harm and suicidal ideation can cause, both for those experiencing them and for their loved ones. Our goal is to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support to help individuals understand and address these challenging feelings and behaviors. We offer a safe, affirming space where healing can begin, guided by understanding therapists who are here to help you navigate these struggles.
What is Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation?
Self-harm refers to the intentional infliction of physical pain or injury to one’s body, typically as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. This can include cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting oneself. It is important to understand that self-harm is often a symptom of underlying emotional pain, and it is not necessarily an indication of a desire to end one’s life.
Suicidal ideation, on the other hand, refers to thoughts or feelings about ending one’s life. These thoughts can range from fleeting thoughts of not wanting to be alive to detailed plans for suicide. Suicidal ideation is a serious mental health issue that requires immediate attention and professional support.
While both self-harm and suicidal ideation are often linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, or feelings of isolation, they can also manifest for various other reasons. Many people who self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts feel ashamed or embarrassed, but it's important to remember that these feelings are common, and that help is available.
Why Does Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Happen?
There are numerous reasons why individuals may turn to self-harm or experience thoughts of suicide, but they often stem from an inability to effectively manage intense emotions, such as:
Unresolved Trauma: Past trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can leave lasting emotional scars. Self-harm may provide temporary relief from the emotional pain tied to these experiences.
Depression and Anxiety: Conditions like depression or anxiety can create overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or fear, leading individuals to harm themselves as a way to regain some sense of control.
Emotional Dysregulation: For some, self-harm serves as a way to cope with feelings they may not fully understand or be able to express in healthier ways.
Social Isolation: A lack of emotional support, feeling misunderstood, or not having a sense of belonging can increase feelings of loneliness and contribute to self-destructive behaviors.
Difficulty Communicating: Some people struggle to communicate their feelings verbally and may resort to self-harm as a way to express or release emotional pain that feels too overwhelming to share.
Treatment for Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation at Stems Therapy Collective
At Stems Therapy Collective, we believe in taking a holistic and compassionate approach to treating self-harm and suicidal ideation. Therapy is a space for self-discovery and healing, and we focus on understanding the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to these behaviors. We aim to empower individuals to create lasting change by helping them build healthier ways to cope with pain.
Here are a few of the most effective treatment modalities we use:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is one of the most widely used treatments for self-harm and suicidal ideation. This therapy focuses on teaching emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly effective for those who struggle with intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors, providing skills to cope with distress in healthier ways.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to self-harm and suicidal ideation. It focuses on replacing harmful behaviors and thoughts with healthier alternatives, offering practical tools to reframe thinking and break the cycle of emotional distress.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages individuals to accept their difficult emotions rather than trying to push them away. This therapy helps people connect with their values, promoting behaviors that align with a meaningful and fulfilling life, even when distressing thoughts and feelings are present.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Trauma: For individuals whose self-harm or suicidal ideation is linked to past trauma, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective treatment. CPT is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process and reframe the thoughts and beliefs that have developed as a result of traumatic experiences. This approach emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals can challenge unhelpful thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of their emotional responses. By addressing these emotional wounds, CPT helps reduce self-destructive behaviors and empowers individuals to heal from trauma while fostering healthier coping strategies.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Learning to be present in the moment and manage overwhelming emotions through mindfulness can be an invaluable tool in treating self-harm and suicidal ideation. These techniques can reduce impulsive behaviors and help individuals ground themselves during periods of emotional distress.
Group Therapy: Sometimes, involving peers can provide additional support for those struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideation. It can help build stronger, healthier communication patterns and create a support system that promotes emotional well-being.
The Legal Limitations of Disclosure for Therapists Working with Adolescents in Colorado
In Colorado, therapists are legally and ethically required to prioritize the well-being of their clients, including teenagers. For minors, confidentiality is generally maintained, but there are important exceptions in cases of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Suicidal Ideation: If a minor discloses that they are having immediate thoughts of suicide or have made a plan, therapists are required by law to take action to ensure the safety of the minor. This may involve notifying the minor’s parent or legal guardian and, if necessary, involving emergency services. The goal is to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the client. Please see our resources page for additional supports.
Self-Harm: Similarly, if a minor is engaging in self-harm behaviors, therapists may need to inform the parent or legal guardian, depending on the severity of the behavior. This is done to ensure that the minor receives the appropriate support and intervention to address the underlying issues contributing to self-harm.
Therapists at Stems Therapy Collective work collaboratively with adolescents and their families to navigate these difficult conversations in a compassionate and transparent way. We strive to build trust while also ensuring that our clients’ safety is always the top priority.
Which of your providers treat self-harm and suicidal ideation?
All of our providers have experience with and feel comfortable treating humans with self-harm and suicidal ideation (as appropriate for the outpatient level of care). JJ specializes in adolescent specific self-harm and suicidality.
Get the Support You Need at Stems Therapy Collective
If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm or suicidal ideation, we are here to help. At Stems Therapy Collective, our compassionate team of therapists offers a safe, supportive space to work through these challenges. Together, we will explore the underlying causes of these behaviors, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work toward building a brighter future.