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.