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
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingSheira Byrne, BACP, NCPS
Ref 182668
Practical, compassionate support for overwhelming problems
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingTomasz Konieczny, BACP, NCPS
Ref 199992
Practical, compassionate online counselling
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English, Polish
View listingClement West, BACP
Ref 167549
Gentle, practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingPamela Benoit, NCPS, BACP
Ref 180577
Compassionate practical psychotherapy
Works with: Relationship, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingRichard Gordon-Smith , NCPS
Ref 120083
Straightforward, experienced counsellor for complex issues
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingRebecca "Becca" Mather, BACP
Ref 236007
Compassionate, practical support for life’s pressures
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJennifer Lee Sylvester, LCSW
Ref 116075
Experienced LCSW offering respectful, practical care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSara Lowe, LPC
Ref 104527
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingFaryal Choudry, LCSW
Ref 266995
Compassionate guidance for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSherry Ramsey Hansen, LPC
Ref 352558
Collaborative counselor focused on practical progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAdrian Jackson, BACP
Ref 271038
Compassionate counsellor using practical, person-focused methods
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSarah Anderson, NCPS
Ref 133882
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingRev. Catherine Bogue, LCSW
Ref 168255
Compassionate guidance for life’s hard changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCallie Roberts, LPC
Ref 261180
Calm practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingD. Jesse Bruesch, LPC
Ref 339826
Trauma-informed counselor focused on real change
Works with: LGBT, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingClaudia Santiago, LCSW
Ref 149793
Practical, collaborative therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English, Spanish
View listingAndrea Antrobus, BACP
Ref 121857
Warm counsellor blending practical therapy and listening
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingRose Sanford, LPC
Ref 150546
Practical support for stress and relationship struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingMaria Wilson, LCSW
Ref 138055
Understanding, practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJulie Fraser, BACP
Ref 160259
Practical support for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingFaye Noyland, BACP
Ref 176481
Calm, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCarson Gerber, LPC
Ref 27651
Compassionate practical therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingGerry Byrne, BACP
Ref 224563
Practical, collaborative therapy for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDonna Watts, BACP
Ref 219020
Compassionate, practical support for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingVictoria Harper, BACP
Ref 257028
Gentle person-centred counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKelley Sullivan, LCSW
Ref 526
Compassionate, practical therapy for real life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Spanish
View listingDr. Robert Hunt, LPC
Ref 187307
Experienced therapist for life changes and emotion work
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSally Henderson, ACA, PACFA
Ref 224972
Compassionate trauma and addiction counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingLisa Spears, LPC
Ref 101050
Hopeful, practical counseling for life
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingKim Smith, BACP
Ref 203026
Warm integrative BACP counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingChris Rottcher, NCPS
Ref 167547
Compassionate integrative counsellor for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Afrikaans
View listingJamie Finkelstein, LPC
Ref 16744
Compassionate counselor for practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCarlisle Bergquist, LCMFT
Ref 194649
Gentle, experienced therapist focused on relationships
Works with: Relationship, Family, Intimacy-related issues 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.