Self-Harm
Self-harm is a complex issue, and it's typically a method people use to cope with their emotional distress or manage mental health symptoms.
If you struggle with self-harm, you may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid about what's going on. And if you're a concerned family member, you might also feel these emotions - along with a sense of helplessness.
That said, self-harm is treatable, and seeking support is often the first step toward recovery.
For adult therapy, book with:
Amy Parsons
Dayirai Kapfunde (virtual only)
Kim Cardinal
Signs of Self-Harm
People who self-harm often try to conceal their actions due to shame or fear of getting into trouble. Teenagers, in particular, may not want to worry their parents or be perceived as a burden.
You may not be able to explicitly tell if someone is engaging in self-harm, but some of the key signs include:
unexplained cuts, scratches, bruises, or scars
wearing long sleeves, even in hot weather
sudden mood swings or evident signs of depression
increased talk about hopelessness or helplessness
other compulsive behaviour (disordered eating, substance abuse)
spending more time alone and isolated from other people
People can self-harm anywhere on the body, but the arms, legs, chest, and stomach are often targeted locations. It's common for people to injure themselves in a controlled, patterned way.
Some people self-harm only a few times. Others engage in this behaviour in a more frequent, repeated manner.
How to Help Someone Who Self-Harms
Family members and friends often worry that they said or did something to cause a loved one to self-harm. Keep in mind that people self-harm for many different reasons, including:
experiencing immediate physical release for emotional distress
being able to inadvertently express emotions
self-punishing oneself for mistakes or having difficult emotions
peer influence (others are doing it, so it feels more normalized)
Ask directly: Even if you feel nervous, if you have any suspicions about self-harm, ask the person directly. They may be relieved that you started the conversation. More than anything, aim to be compassionate. This is a vulnerable topic, and lecturing or getting angry will likely result in the person shutting down. Keep in mind that your loved one may not be honest with you right away.
Don't blame yourself: At this point, it isn't helpful to blame yourself for what's going on. All mental health issues are inherently complex and part of a greater system. A loved one self-harming does not mean you are a bad person. Focus your efforts on being a source of emotional support and be mindful of your judgments or biases.
Don't make them promise to stop: Most people who self-harm want to stop, but they often lack adequate distress tolerance skills to manage their intense emotions. They may also struggle with poor impulse control or low self-esteem. Keep in mind that self-harm can mimic other compulsive behaviour, and it's normal to have lapses during the early stages of recovery.
Honour your loved one’s mental health: If you know your loved one is under immense stress, try to slow down. Let them know they're allowed to ask for help, support, or downtime. Yes, work or school are important, but they should never be prioritized above someone's emotional wellness. Model how you engage in self-care and try to practice better stress management yourself.
Support treatment: Let your loved one know there are treatments for self-harm and that you are willing to help them get the support they need.
Does Self-Harm Mean Someone Is Suicidal?
People often worry that one’s engagement in self-harm indicates that they are suicidal. This is an absolutely valid concern. Research shows that 12 people die from suicide in Canada each day, and more than 200 people attempt suicide.
That said, the difference between self-harm and a suicide attempt comes down to intent. Non-suicidal self-injury often acts as a way to provide immediate relief. It's a short-lived escape from intense emotional pain. A self-harm episode is not the same as a suicide attempt, but it can increase the risk of suicide.
Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm is a serious issue, and someone who self-harms is in significant emotional pain. Self-harm tends to peak during adolescence, but even young children can be at risk of hurting themselves.
While self-harm does not inherently mean someone feels suicidal, many people who attempt suicide often have histories of self-harm.
In addition, self-harm often coincides with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. If your loved on has a mental illness, they are likely at an increased risk for self-injurious behaviours.
Therapy helps people learn how to cope with their negative emotions, improve self-esteem, and identify healthy coping skills to manage stress. The right support can make all the difference. We are here to help you get the professional guidance needed to stop self-harming.
Therapy for Self-Harm in Fort McMurray
How to Start Therapy for Self-Harm
Beginning therapy with Boreal Therapy Collective is easy and requires no referral. You can book your initial assessment here.
Understanding Length of Therapy and Treatment
Your first appointment will be 90-minutes long. For all future appointments, you can choose to book for 1 hour or 90-minutes. During your first appointment, your therapist will ask you questions to better understand you and your areas of struggle. This is known as an assessment. Depending on how much you share, the assessment phase can last anywhere from one to three appointments. The assessment is critical. It helps you and your therapist understand your goals, and it helps your therapist develop a treatment plan to support you in achieving these goals.
After the assessment is complete, treatment begins! In the treatment phase, you will be introduced to a variety of skills to practice and implement to better manage your symptoms. Most people will have a therapy session every two weeks, and we recommend this for optimal treatment. Effective therapy typically takes somewhere between six to twelve appointments (for some more, others less). Many choose to continue therapy once formal treatment is complete. This is referred to as maintenance. People who do this typically have an appointment once every six to eight weeks. This is not a requirement and is a matter of personal choice.
Therapy for Self-Harm at Boreal Therapy Collective
Where We Are Located
We’re located at 8530 Manning Avenue, Unit 104. You’ll find us in the Service Canada building (on the side of the building that faces the Clearwater River). To check out our space, click here.
Parking is located at the front and back of the building. The front parking lot is closer to us but tends to fill up quickly. There is also an empty dirt lot adjacent to our office that many use for parking. If you park at the back (where Service Canada is located), you can walk around the building to reach our office. To learn more about parking, click here.
Importantly, you do not need to be in town for treatment. We offer in-person and virtual therapy and our therapists are happy to provide whatever option works best for you!
Rates & Benefit Coverage
Initial assessments are billed at a rate of $300.00 for a 90-minute appointment. Follow-up sessions are billed at a rate of $200.00/hour or $300.00/90-minutes (you can choose your preferred appointment length when booking). We offer direct billing to 25+ benefit providers. With your consent, we will always direct bill first. If we are unable to direct bill, you can pay via email money transfer or credit card. You will be given a receipt once payment has been collected. For more information, click here.
