About self-harm
This page features therapists who list self-harm support among their clinical focus and therapeutic approaches. You can browse profiles below to compare focus areas, therapeutic styles, languages and experience.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether self-harm is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has self-harm among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for self-harm
Angela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCleo Irish Zorrilla, BACP
Ref 258501
Compassionate, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingMary Smith Tyler, LCSW, CSW
Ref 170206
Supportive Georgia licensed social worker
Works with: Relationship, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Russian
View listingJennifer Hughes, NCPS
Ref 187476
Warm, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMalak Alsaidi, LCSW
Ref 203999
Supportive New York LCSW focused on healing
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWilliam Signey, BACP
Ref 113870
Practical, person-focused counselling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMelody Hatter, LCSW, CSW, LISW
Ref 123632
Practical support for anxiety and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSydney Fisher, LPC
Ref 187550
Compassionate counselor guiding practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingJonathan Wilkes, BACP
Ref 123145
Calm listening with practical skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingLaMeshia Lipscomb, LPC
Ref 106169
Warm, practical counseling focused on goals
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJulia Allen, BACP
Ref 193195
Practical support for stress and low mood
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingWendy Mayfield, BACP
Ref 100144
Practical, steady support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonathan Stuart, NCPS
Ref 175272
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingKianni Johnson, LMHC
Ref 279980
Practical therapy for strong emotions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingDawn Nunney, NCPS
Ref 97317
Compassionate person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLiisa Hiltunen, PACFA
Ref 317033
Calm practical therapy with coaching focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCarol Broad, NCPS
Ref 128573
Calm, practical counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJessica Sullivan, BACP
Ref 94142
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMelissa Upton, LPC
Ref 126683
Empathetic counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingClaire Lewis, BACP
Ref 287880
Supportive person-centred counselling
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Cassandra April, LCPC
Ref 44666
Compassionate, practical therapy for life's hard moments
Works with: Family, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingAnna Gilmore, BACP
Ref 109642
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating Languages: English
View listingJill Malcolm, BACP
Ref 231136
Gentle practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMatt Lightfoot, NCPS
Ref 193161
Person-centred counsellor who values meaning and choice
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMark McConnell, BACP
Ref 208651
Practical support for stress and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, ADHD Languages: English
View listingBarbara Hamberg, LMHC
Ref 253111
Compassionate counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingKatherine Afuola, LMHC
Ref 188375
Therapist focused on mood, trauma, and purpose
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingSuzanne Gregory, BACP
Ref 161266
Experienced UK counsellor focused on practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingSally Smith, LPC
Ref 338970
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingHarjit Kundi, BACP
Ref 183353
Practical, compassionate support for complex issues
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English, Punjabi
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingEmma-Louise Simpson, BACP
Ref 262671
Calm, person-centred counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDawn Meadow, LPC
Ref 76208
Calm, practical counseling for lifes hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJosephine Sultana, AASW
Ref 309775
Compassionate social worker blending therapy and lifestyle care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Sleeping Languages: English
View listingLouise Wood, BACP
Ref 128568
Support to manage stress, trauma and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJulie Golding, BACP
Ref 269912
Calm, practical support for stress and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMore about self-harm
Understanding self-harm and how it affects people
Self-harm refers to deliberate actions taken to injure oneself, often as a way to respond to intense emotional pain, overwhelming stress, or feelings that feel hard to tolerate. People who engage in self-injury may use a range of behaviors, and the reasons behind them vary widely. For some, self-harm is a way to release tension, to feel grounded when numb, or to express emotions that feel otherwise unmanageable. For others, it is connected to a history of trauma, difficulties with emotion regulation, or periods of intense shame or self-criticism.
The impact of self-harm goes beyond physical injury. You may find that it affects your relationships, daily routines, work or school performance, and your sense of safety with yourself. You might also experience cycles of relief followed by guilt or increased distress. Because self-harm often sits alongside mood differences, anxiety, or identity-related stress, it can feel isolating to handle on your own. Recognizing that self-harm is a coping strategy rather than a character flaw is an important step when seeking support.
Recognizing signs that therapy can be helpful
If you are wondering whether therapy might be useful for you or someone you care about, certain patterns can suggest that professional support could make a difference. You might notice that urges to self-harm are becoming more frequent or intense, that attempts to cut back are not lasting, or that injuries are more severe than before. You may also be spending a lot of mental energy hiding wounds, planning behavior, or feeling increasingly disconnected from friends and family.
Other signs include difficulty managing emotions without self-injury, using self-harm in response to a specific trigger such as relationship conflict or reminders of trauma, or feeling stuck in cycles of regret and repetition. If self-harm is interfering with your ability to carry out daily responsibilities, maintain relationships, or feel safe in your body, these are valid reasons to explore therapy. You do not need to wait until a crisis to reach out; therapy can be a space to learn alternatives, build skills and address underlying contributors.
What to expect in therapy sessions focused on self-harm
Initial conversations and building a working plan
Early sessions typically focus on understanding your story and building a working relationship with the therapist. You can expect to discuss the patterns of self-harm, what tends to precede and follow episodes, and your goals for seeking help. A therapist will usually ask about your history, current supports, and any immediate safety concerns. The aim during this phase is to create a plan that honors your pace while addressing risk and stability, so you can feel as safe as possible while exploring change.
Skill development and addressing underlying issues
As therapy continues, many people work on developing skills to manage strong emotions, cope with urges, and reduce the reliance on self-injury as a primary strategy. Sessions may include learning techniques to tolerate distress, regulate mood, and shift patterns of thinking or behavior. At the same time, you may explore relational dynamics, past experiences, and beliefs that contribute to the behavior. Progress is often gradual and individualized - some weeks focus more on immediate coping, while others address longer-term patterns and meaning.
Common therapeutic approaches used for self-harm
Clinicians use a variety of therapeutic frameworks when working with self-harm, and you will find therapists who list different approaches among their methods. Some therapists emphasize skills-based work that targets emotion regulation and reducing harmful behavior. For example, many list dialectical behavior therapy or DBT among their approaches, which often includes training in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and mindful awareness. Other therapists list cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT among their approaches, focusing on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and offering strategies to shift unhelpful patterns.
Some therapists who work with trauma-related patterns list trauma-informed methods and approaches such as those that focus on processing painful memories while stabilizing your current functioning. You may also encounter therapists who list EMDR among their approaches; in those listings, they describe using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing principles to address distressing memories and the emotions tied to them. Approaches that include mindfulness, acceptance-based strategies, or compassion-focused ideas are also commonly listed because they can help with self-directed criticism and developing alternative self-soothing methods.
None of these approaches is a one-size-fits-all solution. Therapists often combine elements from different approaches to match what you describe and what seems to help in session. When you read profiles, pay attention to the language therapists use about goals, whether they emphasize skills, processing, or relational work, and how they describe progress. That can give you a sense of how their approach aligns with what you are looking for.
How online therapy works for self-harm support
Online therapy offers a way to connect with therapists who list self-harm support among their approaches from your own location. Sessions typically take place through video, phone or messaging formats, and many therapists describe adapting safety planning and skill teaching to remote formats. You can expect the same kinds of conversations about your history, triggers and goals as you would in person, with attention to how to manage risk and handle emergencies when you are not physically together.
When you choose online sessions, think about practical considerations such as where you will meet for sessions, strategies for minimizing interruptions, and whether you have a reliable connection and privacy at home or another setting. Many people appreciate the access to a wider range of therapists, including professionals who list languages or cultural competencies that match their needs. Online work can also make it easier to integrate skills practice into daily life because you can immediately test and reflect on strategies between sessions in the context you live in.
Choosing a therapist who fits your needs
Finding the right therapist often comes down to how their focus and approach match what you want to address. Start by reading profiles to see which therapists list self-harm among their focus areas and which approaches they use. Look for descriptions that resonate with your priorities - whether you want skills training, trauma-focused work, relational exploration or a combination. Notice mentions of populations they work with, such as adolescents, gender-diverse clients, or people with particular cultural backgrounds or language needs, since shared experience can influence the therapeutic connection.
Consider practical fit as well. Think about the therapeutic style that feels most comfortable for you - do you prefer a direct skills-based approach, a reflective exploratory style, or a mix? Pay attention to how therapists describe their work with self-harm: do they emphasize collaboration, harm reduction, or structured plans for safety and reduction of risky behavior? These signals can help you identify clinicians whose descriptions feel aligned with your goals. It can also be helpful to have a short initial conversation to gauge whether you feel heard and respected by the clinician, and whether their communication style matches what helps you engage.
Finally, trust your sense of progress. Therapy often involves trial and adjustment - if something about the approach or the fit does not feel right, that is useful information to bring into the conversation. You deserve to work with a professional whose methods and manner help you build alternatives to self-harm and support your well-being over time.
If you are ready to explore options, the profiles above can help you identify therapists who list self-harm among their approaches so you can learn more about their focus areas, languages and styles to find a match that feels right for you.