Self Harming - best course of action?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on January 3, 2010 at 10:33pm

Dear Amber, before you do anything, you must have a doctor referral, especially that he is taking medication and been seeing a counselor and also psyche. And no the holidays are over, he still need to be referred to you, so I guess in your first session build a rapport, teach self relaxation and get the referral ASAP.

All the best, Doreen Cohanim C.Ht
www.HypnoCruise.com

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Hanover on January 3, 2010 at 10:55pm

Hi Amber,

Here's fact sheet I found online--might have some useful stuff for you.Adolescents and Self-Cutting (Self-Harm): Information for Parents

I was once told by someone who used to do cutting that she did it because it feels really, really good. When you cut yourself, your body releases this rush of endorphins. So in addition to dealing with whatever emotional pain the person is in, you're also dealing with a chemical addiction. It just happens to be a chemical the body is making itself.

Good luck. :)

Kathleen

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Permalink Reply by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on January 4, 2010 at 12:36am

Hello Kathleen,

Thais is a great Information, but Amber still needs to have a doctor referral, since cutting is an emotional issue, and that is why, It says "a person who is cutting themselves need a competent, mental health professional to help them". Of course a hypnotherapist can help, but the hypnotherapist needs to have experience with cutting, and must have referral, from a mental health professional, she can discuss how to help her client.

Doreen Cohanim C.Ht

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Permalink Reply by Henxy on January 4, 2010 at 2:28am

Yup. Self harm comes most definitely under the remit of psychiatric care.

Mental Health Professionals use tactics such as providing the patient with a red pen that they can scribble on themselves with instead of cut. Or use ice for the shock/pain without damaging the skin and other tissues.

It's not often about 'finding a high'. It's an impulsive, compulsive behaviour; often arising from a lack of ability to express or cope with difficulties.

People who struggle with mental health issues often struggle most at times when society expects them to be enjoying themselves- all the pressure that is placed upon them to 'be happy, it's Christmas' can be too much. Just the same as it can be for recovering alcoholics, those with anger management issues etc etc.

PLEASE understand that self-harming and OCD aren't labels, they're diagnoses. He may not know what is positive for him at times. It's a tough, and often long-term treatment plan that may be needed here. Cutters are rarely suicidal, but they do need qualified help, not well-intentioned amateurs who could potentially do more harm than good.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on January 4, 2010 at 4:22am

Hi Amber,

I suggest having the teen's parents sign an intake document indicating that they have been advised and understand that your hypnotic services are not a subsititute for medical or psychological care.

The several "cutters/pickers" who came to me for help reported feeling anxious, lonely, misunderstood and "dead." Most were isolated teens who "enjoyed" a great deal of negative attention around their behavior and I used different strategies for different teens ranging from sheer boredom: "I get no kick from cutting or picking" to elevated self-esteem: "I feel too good to pick or cut."

FYI: All of my clients were were under a doctor's care when I worked with them. I sold them on the belief that hypnosis could help them break the UNWANTED learned behavior and make the cutting and/or picking unnecessary and/or unattractive during my intake/pre-talk. Once they were pre-conditioned for success, I offered them a few different hypnotic modalities and let them choose their own hero's journey... I had them practicing self-esteem and confidence building self-hypnosis exercises as "home work" and I gave them post hypnotic "mood changers" to get them out of self-destructive states if necessary.

The feedback that I got from the parents was that working with me was very helpful to their children.

Michael E.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on January 4, 2010 at 4:38am

Henxy,

What you seem to be unaware of is that, in the realm of health care options, hypnosis is most often a last resort -- 9 out of 10 of our health related clients have been through the mill of conventional medical practice before they find their way to us. Sooner or later we realize that the qualified experts that our client's went to for help didn't help them! In many cases, not only were these people not helped, but the harm done to these people by qualified experts are well documented!

So forgive us, if we are not as impressed with QUALIFIED EXPERTS as you seemed to be. Yes, it is important to recognize and act within our various scopes of practice and let's keep in mind that millions of people are spending billions of out of pocket dollars because they are sick and tired of the arrogance, abuses and many short comings of conventional medical practice.


Michael Ellner

Henxy said:

Yup. Self harm comes most definitely under the remit of psychiatric care.

Mental Health Professionals use tactics such as providing the patient with a red pen that they can scribble on themselves with instead of cut. Or use ice for the shock/pain without damaging the skin and other tissues.

It's not often about 'finding a high'. It's an impulsive, compulsive behaviour; often arising from a lack of ability to express or cope with difficulties.

People who struggle with mental health issues often struggle most at times when society expects them to be enjoying themselves- all the pressure that is placed upon them to 'be happy, it's Christmas' can be too much. Just the same as it can be for recovering alcoholics, those with anger management issues etc etc.

PLEASE understand that self-harming and OCD aren't labels, they're diagnoses. He may not know what is positive for him at times. It's a tough, and often long-term treatment plan that may be needed here. Cutters are rarely suicidal, but they do need qualified help, not well-intentioned amateurs who could potentially do more harm than good.

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Permalink Reply by Henxy on January 4, 2010 at 4:57am

I guess I aint so sunny in your eyes any more.

We are from different worlds. In my world, we respect each other. In my world, we work with health professionals, and complementary professionals. Here, both respect each other's contribution and knowledge base. There is no paranoia and defamation of character. There are just good people wanting to help others with the skills and qualifications they have.

I'm not interested in dollars. I work in pounds. Here, healthcare is free at the point of delivery; so there is no need for the slander which occurs against the medical profession elsewhere. There is no need for superstition against complementary practitioners; many doctors recommend hypnotherapy as an option. And the increasing number of us who are employed by the NHS proves this.

I'm sorry you have had a less than perfect experience, but you have no need to knock my advice, (which is only advice) which is born out of the privileged position of having a foot in both camps.

Michael Ellner said:

Henxy,

What you seem to be unaware of is that, in the realm of health care options, hypnosis is most often a last resort -- 9 out of 10 of our health related clients have been through the mill of conventional medical practice before they find their way to us. Sooner or later we realize that the qualified experts that our client's went to for help didn't help them! In many cases, not only were these people not helped, but the harm done to these people by qualified experts are well documented!

So forgive us, if we are not as impressed with QUALIFIED EXPERTS as you seemed to be. Yes, it is important to recognize and act within our various scopes of practice and let's keep in mind that millions of people are spending billions of out of pocket dollars because they are sick and tired of the arrogance, abuses and many short comings of conventional medical practice.


Michael Ellner

Henxy said:

Yup. Self harm comes most definitely under the remit of psychiatric care.

Mental Health Professionals use tactics such as providing the patient with a red pen that they can scribble on themselves with instead of cut. Or use ice for the shock/pain without damaging the skin and other tissues.

It's not often about 'finding a high'. It's an impulsive, compulsive behaviour; often arising from a lack of ability to express or cope with difficulties.

People who struggle with mental health issues often struggle most at times when society expects them to be enjoying themselves- all the pressure that is placed upon them to 'be happy, it's Christmas' can be too much. Just the same as it can be for recovering alcoholics, those with anger management issues etc etc.

PLEASE understand that self-harming and OCD aren't labels, they're diagnoses. He may not know what is positive for him at times. It's a tough, and often long-term treatment plan that may be needed here. Cutters are rarely suicidal, but they do need qualified help, not well-intentioned amateurs who could potentially do more harm than good.

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Permalink Reply by Donna Carter on January 4, 2010 at 8:02am

Amber,
I don't think it sounds like 'your' labeling.
Sounds like he already came to you with labels attached. Which, in and of itself is important...since it is a known that we tend to live up to our labels! OUCH!

Anyhooo.... one point I would like to throw in the mix is - GOOD JOB to him, he stopped for 3 months. This is GOOD news. Good news for him and for you. Capitalize on his success.
WHAT did he do during those three months that helped him succeed??
What worked for him for those three months.... he needs to do more of that, doesn't he?

Henxy,
you say: "but they do need qualified help"

It sounds like this guy has already tried various qualified health practitioners and is now seeking more information from qualified alternative sources.

I am curious what your definition of qualified is? It might bring more light onto the subject.

my best,
~D.

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Permalink Reply by amber lee poole on January 4, 2010 at 1:58pm

Hi Donna,

Thanx! You hit the nail on the head with the labelling - it is important to be able to "recognise" a situation but how damaging has it been to so many as they have then lived thinking that they "are" that which they have been called - so that is why i always feel in two minds on labelling :)

Amber

Donna Rodolph said:

Amber,
I don't think it sounds like 'your' labeling.
Sounds like he already came to you with labels attached. Which, in and of itself is important...since it is a known that we tend to live up to our labels! OUCH!

Anyhooo.... one point I would like to throw in the mix is - GOOD JOB to him, he stopped for 3 months. This is GOOD news. Good news for him and for you. Capitalize on his success.
WHAT did he do during those three months that helped him succeed??
What worked for him for those three months.... he needs to do more of that, doesn't he?

Henxy,
you say: "but they do need qualified help"

It sounds like this guy has already tried various qualified health practitioners and is now seeking more information from qualified alternative sources.

I am curious what your definition of qualified is? It might bring more light onto the subject.

my best,
~D.

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Permalink Reply by amber lee poole on January 4, 2010 at 2:02pm

Hi Doreen,

Your advice is priceless, as always. Would you believe that there isn't anyone available for this young man until nearly February!!! All the people he has received care from in the past are away until then.... they are desperate and i have made it very clear that i am not a therapist or counsellor and i have a very, very specific form that all my clients fill in before they see me, and we both sign it :)

I have been given some excellent advice here, and it is nice to see that we are all on the same page, even if we express it differently xox

The fact sheet from Kathleen will be passed on to Mum when i see her this friday and i will definitely focus on what worked, thanx to Donna :)

Amber

Doreen Cohanim C.Ht said:

Dear Amber, before you do anything, you must have a doctor referral, especially that he is taking medication and been seeing a counselor and also psyche. And no the holidays are over, he still need to be referred to you, so I guess in your first session build a rapport, teach self relaxation and get the referral ASAP.

All the best, Doreen Cohanim C.Ht
www.HypnoCruise.com

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Permalink Reply by amber lee poole on January 4, 2010 at 2:07pm

Michael,

Thank you for your much valued suggestions and support.

Amber

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Permalink Reply by amber lee poole on January 4, 2010 at 3:09pm

Absolutely Doreen!!! I am going to get them to sign the disclaimer and then will find out who the doctors are and get a referral also :) You got my back!

Amber xo

Doreen Cohanim C.Ht said:

Dear Amber,

It that case just to protect yourself, have them sign an agreement, because when it comes to low suits, your understanding and their excuse will not save you in the end, I hope you understand that I am only suggesting that for your own best interest and your clients as well...

Doreen Cohanim C.Ht,HBCE

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