Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Treatment for self-harm is most effective when addressed early with understanding and the right support. Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is when someone intentionally hurts their body—such as cutting, scratching, burning or hitting—often as a way to cope with emotional pain rather than to end their life. It’s most common among teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 24, with females generally engaging in it more often than males. While self-harm may bring temporary relief, it can cause serious medical issues and increases the risk of suicide, making early support crucial.
Self-harm isn’t always obvious. Some people go to great lengths to hide it, which can make it harder to recognise. Common signs include:
Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises – especially on arms, legs, or other easily hidden areas
Wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather to cover injuries
Frequent “accidents” or excuses for injuries that don’t quite add up
Scars in patterns or clusters that look unusual
Keeping sharp objects or lighters in personal spaces
Withdrawal or secrecy – avoiding situations where their body might be seen
Emotional changes – intense shame, guilt, sadness, or irritability
Almost 40% of young people in NSW who self-harmed needed hospital care again within a year
Children as young as 10 in NSW are presenting to hospital with repeated self-harm
Teens who self-harm face a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents later in life
Self-injury in Australian adolescents may be twice as common as official data suggests
Research into self-harm has grown in recent years, giving us a clearer picture of both why people self-harm and which therapies are most effective in helping them stop. While there’s still more work to be done, studies show that the right psychological support can make a real difference in breaking the cycle of self-injury.
A 2024 review in the journal Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific mapped out self-harm interventions studied between 2018 and 2023. It identified seven types of therapy being trialled, ranging from traditional talking therapies to newer, creative approaches. These included:
What these therapies have in common is that they give people healthier ways to cope with emotional distress, boost self-awareness, and reduce the urges to self-harm.
The research is still developing, and there isn’t one single therapy that works for everyone. But several approaches stand out:
Although the results are encouraging, the Lancet review (2024) noted that many studies are still small and only run for short periods. This means researchers can’t yet say which therapy is the most effective long-term. What is clear, however, is that early, compassionate treatment for self-harm reduces the risk of repeat episodes and can help people feel supported on the road to recovery.
*Source: Exploring effective interventions to reduce Self-Harm behavior in Adolescents: A scoping review – ScienceDirect
Use ice cubes, snap a rubber band, draw on your skin, or do quick exercise to ride out urges
Journalling or using a mood app helps you spot patterns and understand what sets off self-harm
Sharing with a friend or family member can ease the pressure and reduce isolation
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to provide tailored support for individuals struggling with self-harm, helping them develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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