When the pain feels unbearable and you don’t know what else to do.
Sometimes emotions feel so intense that it seems there’s no other way to cope. You might find yourself cutting, burning, purging, or hurting your body in other ways—not because you want to die, but because you’re desperate to feel something, or to make the pain stop.
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At Purpose Counseling, we understand that self-harm is not about seeking attention—it’s about survival. It’s the best way you’ve known to manage overwhelming emotions, and that deserves compassion, not shame.
Do you feel numb?
Maybe you feel like you’re moving through life detached, disconnected from your body or emotions. You might not even know what you’re feeling anymore—just that everything feels dull or far away. For some, self-harming brings a moment of clarity or release. For others, it’s a way to feel something when everything else feels blank.
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If you’ve felt stuck in this cycle, please know: there’s nothing “wrong” with you. You’ve found a way to survive, but it doesn’t have to stay this way. You can learn new ways to feel, express, and regulate your emotions safely.
Does the pain feel too much to carry?
Maybe emotions flood in so fast and strong that it feels impossible to stay grounded. Shame, anger, grief, or loneliness might hit like a wave—and in that moment, self-harm may feel like the only way to make it stop.
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In therapy, we take these moments seriously. We help you understand what’s underneath those urges and learn ways to cope without needing to hurt yourself. Together, we build tools that actually work—ones that help you feel safe in your own body again.
Does it feel like no one understands?
It’s hard to talk about self-harm. You might worry people will panic, judge, or send you to the hospital. Many of our clients have shared that they’ve kept this secret for years, terrified of how others might react.
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We get it. At Purpose Counseling, we don’t freak out. We meet you where you are—with compassion, not fear. We work at your pace, with your goals in mind, so you can begin to trust again and rebuild a sense of control.
How Therapy Works
At Purpose Counseling, we help you understand and heal without judgment.
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We understand that self-harm is a coping mechanism—a way to survive deep emotional pain. Our goal isn’t to take away your control, but to help you add new tools so you don’t have to rely on self-harming to cope.
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You deserve a safe space where your emotions are valid, your story matters, and healing is possible.
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Safety and Harm Reduction: We begin with safety. Together, we’ll talk about triggers, urges, and harm reduction strategies so you can stay safe without judgment.
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Understanding the Triggers: We’ll track your emotions and triggers to understand what’s leading to the self-harming behaviors.
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Learning New Tools: Using DBT and trauma-informed approaches, we’ll teach coping skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
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Healing Emotional Wounds: As you build stability, we’ll begin to explore the deeper pain behind the behavior—always at your pace, with your consent.
You don’t have to face this alone. You can learn to handle big feelings without hurting yourself.
Why Work With Us
We specialize in working with clients who struggle with self-harm and emotional regulation. Our therapists are trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—a gold standard, evidence-based treatment proven to help reduce self-harming behaviors.
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We use DBT diary cards to help you track your emotions, urges, and coping strategies so you can see your progress in real time. Our trauma-informed approach is grounded in the work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Mary Vicario, focusing on body-based awareness and emotional safety.
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At Purpose Counseling, we believe healing happens when you feel seen, understood, and supported. You’ll never be met with shame—only empathy and practical tools to help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you send me to the hospital?
Only if you tell us you have a plan and intent to harm yourself or someone else. Our goal is to help you stay out of the hospital whenever possible. We focus on safety planning and harm reduction in partnership with you.
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Are you going to shame me?
Absolutely not. We know that self-harm is not attention-seeking—it’s a survival strategy. We meet you with compassion and curiosity, not judgment.
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What if I cut during a session?
If this happens, we’ll prioritize your safety. We’ll set a clear boundary, pause the session, and make sure you’re safe before moving forward. You will never be punished or shamed.
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How long does it take to get better?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some clients notice small improvements within a few weeks, while others take several months to feel real change. What matters most is consistency and building trust—with yourself and with your therapist.
We make it easy to get started.
Book a free consultation: We’ll answer your questions and help you find the right therapist for you.
Schedule directly through our online booking page — Choose a time that works best for your schedule.
Prefer to talk first? Give us a call or send a message. We’ll return your call within 24 business hours.