SELF HARM

When you’re hurting deeply, self-harm can sometimes feel like the only way to find relief – a way to make invisible pain visible, or to momentarily quiet emotions that feel unbearable. For many, it’s not about wanting to die, but about wanting the pain to stop.

If this is something you’re experiencing, know that you’re not alone, and you do not have to face it in silence. Self-harm is a coping mechanism – a way your mind and body have learnt to manage distress when words or other outlets have felt impossible. It doesn’t define who you are, it’s a signal of deep suffering that deserves understanding, not judgement.

Understanding What’s Happening

Self-harm can take many forms – cutting, burning, hitting, or other behaviours intended to cause physical pain or injury. Behind these actions often lies emotional overwhelm, self- criticism, trauma, or a feeling of being disconnected or numb.

You may notice:

• Intense feelings of shame, guilt or self-disgust
• A sense of emotional numbness or emptiness
• Sudden urges to harm as a way to release pressure
• Hiding marks or feeling afraid of being “found out”
• Difficulty expressing needs or emotions in words

Recognising these patterns is a powerful first step. It means you are beginning to see that there may be another way – one that supports rather than punishes you.

Working Together to Heal

Therapy offers a safe non-judgemental space to talk about self-harm openly – perhaps for the first time. Together, we work gently to understand what lies beneath the urge to harm and build new, compassionate ways of coping with the pain.

We focus on:

• Understanding triggers and emotional patterns
• Developing safer coping strategies and grounding techniques
• Building self-compassion and resilience
• Strengthening your support system and sense of safety

Healing from self-harm isn’t about shame or punishment; it’s about learning to respond to your pain with care and kindness. Over time, you can begin to find relief that doesn’t involve hurting yourself – ways to express emotion, soothe distress, and rebuild trust in your body and mind.

There is Hope

It’s possible to live free from the cycle of self-harm. Many people who once felt trapped by it have gone on to lead lives filled with connection, purpose, and peace. With the right support, patience, and understanding, you can begin to heal – not just from the behaviour, but from the pain that fuels it.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help is an act of courage, and it’s the first step toward a gentler, safer relationship with yourself.

Some symptoms may include feeling

• Worthlessness
• Hopelessness
• Don’t deserve
• Bad
• Shame
• Anxiety
• Overwhelm
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Emptiness
• Numb

Criteria to access this service

• If you are suffering with any of the above symptoms and you would like to do the work to make the changes you want.
• You do not need to be referred to access this service.
• Please go onto our therapist’s pages and choose the person you wish to work with. You are able to book your appointment on there.
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What is not provided within this service

• We do not do medical checks on wounds. We do not give aftercare for wounds. If you need to be monitored for medical reasons please see your G.P. as this is not included in our service.

Our privilege
It is our mission and our privilege to support you on your journey to recovery and to reach your goals. We are confident that together we can make a difference to your world and help you to live your life the way you want to live it. Imagine what your life would be like after therapy and the difference it would make to you. 

We help hundreds of people every year to be the best they can be. Please don’t suffer unnecessarily any longer, get in touch with us today and take the first step to make great things happen!

Self harm is treatable and recovery is possible.

Telephone 07907613600 
Email info@greymatterscentre.co.uk