Special Topic Resource Pages
Self-Injury (e.g. Cutting, Picking, Hair-pulling)
INDIVIDUAL MEETING
WITH A COUNSELOR
Your first step might be a confidential conversation with a Counseling Center
counselor, who can work with you to explore the emotional stresses that might
be contributing to your need to self-injure, and to help you locate appropriate
sources of support or treatment as needed. The goal of counseling is not primarily
to get you to stop self-injuring (although that is of course an ultimate goal),
but rather to help you understand your feelings and behavior and develop coping
strategies that will be safer and much more effective than self-injury for
managing overwhelming emotions.
SELF-HELP RESOURCES
Our Self-Help Web site has information on self
injury, as well as related topics such as depression and anxiety. The site
includes an online library of web links, informal self-assessment quizzes;
and access to several online "advice" sites. In addition, there
are pamphlets and handouts on these topics available in the Self-Help Library
located in the reception area of the Counseling Center, MGC-214.
WORKSHOPS AND
SUPPORT GROUPS
The Counseling Center offers both single-session "Be
Your Best" workshops and ongoing
support groups every semester, and these usually include sessions of interest
to students concerned about the kinds of stresses that contribute to the need
to self-injure (such as anxiety and depression, or difficulties in relationships).
LOCAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT RESOURCES
Several excellent services
are available in the nearby community for students who require assessment
or treatment for self-injury. In most instances, insurance
helps cover the cost of private care. A Counseling Center counselor can help
you connect with a private psychotherapist or treatment facility in the area
that is maximally affordable, appropriate, and accessible for you. Call x3500
to make an appointment with a counselor;
[Note: If you are insured by the AU
Student Health Insurance Plan, and plan to use your insurance benefits
for private treatment, you need to get a referral from the Counseling Center before your first appointment.]
CONCERNED ABOUT
SOMEONE ELSE'S SELF-INJURY?
If you are concerned about
someone else's self-injury, and would like to help them get help, check out
the Worried About Someone? page, or call
to arrange a confidential consultation with a Counseling Center counselor.
