Therapy Tips for Parents
It’s painful for a parent to watch their child in pain. Feelings of hopelessness and frustration are common when you see them hurting and can’t magically make the pain disappear, an inevitable reality in every parent’s journey. And these feelings only intensify when you learn your child is engaging in self-harm.
Self-harm can be an isolated event or an ongoing behavior of an individual intentionally hurting themselves. Because it is done without the intention to commit suicide, therapists often refer to it as NSSI, or non-suicidal self injury. NSSI is often a reflection of deeper emotional turmoil and serves as an avenue to release the pain of those feelings. If your child is struggling with self-harm, our Child Therapy services can provide specialized support and treatment to address the underlying emotional issues.
Wondering what thoughts and actions led your child to this moment, knowing where to begin in the healing journey can be overwhelming. At Decade2Connect, we see many families struggling with self-harm. The good news is that with proper support, self-harm is a habit that can be broken. So how can you support your child?
As a parent, it’s important to remember that this is not your fault. As children grow, their emotions become more complex and it’s impossible to be a part of every feeling they experience. If you’re feeling guilt or shame, talk to someone about it. Releasing the narrative that this is your fault is crucial in both your own healing, as well as your child’s. Talk to your partner, your friends or a mental health professional about the feelings you’re experiencing, instead of holding onto these negative emotions. You are doing the best you can!
We understand the severity of NSSI and the fear that comes with it. Here at Decade2Connect, we’re here to support your family through this journey and believe with the proper support, hope and harmony is possible for your family. For more support, please reach out to one of our therapists.
