When You Discover Something You Never Expected

Learning that your child is hurting themselves can feel terrifying and confusing. You may feel overwhelmed by fear, guilt, or questions you don’t know how to answer. You might wonder what you missed—or worry about what this means for your child’s future.

Self-harming behaviors in children and teens are often a sign of deep emotional distress, not a desire to die or seek attention. They are signals that a child doesn’t yet have the tools to manage what they’re feeling inside. With the right support, healing is possible.

A Safe, Supportive Place for Your Child—and for You

At River Haven Counseling, we provide specialized, compassionate therapy for children and adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors. Our therapists are trained to work gently and carefully with young people, helping them feel safe enough to open up without fear of shame or punishment.

We also work closely with parents and caregivers, because your involvement and understanding are essential to your child’s recovery.

What Self-Harm Can Look Like in Children

Self-harming behaviors may include:

• Cutting, scratching, burning, or picking at skin
• Hitting oneself or engaging in other injurious behaviors
• Emotional numbness or withdrawal
• Intense shame, self-criticism, or emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty expressing feelings verbally
• Co-occurring anxiety, depression, trauma, or bullying

These behaviors are coping attempts—not failures—and they can be addressed with the right care.

How Therapy Helps Children Heal

Therapy focuses on helping children understand and manage emotions safely, while building healthier ways to cope. Through counseling, children learn to:

• Identify and express emotions more effectively
• Develop safer coping skills to replace self-harm
• Regulate intense feelings and reduce impulsivity
• Build self-worth and emotional resilience
• Feel supported rather than judged

Parents gain tools as well—learning how to respond in ways that promote safety, trust, and healing at home.

What Therapy Looks Like at River Haven

Our approach is developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and paced to your child’s needs. Therapy may include:

• Emotional regulation and distress-tolerance skill building
• Cognitive-behavioral strategies adapted for children and teens
• Mindfulness and grounding techniques
• Gentle exploration of underlying stressors or trauma
• Parent guidance and family collaboration

Safety is always a priority, and we work collaboratively to support your child’s wellbeing.

Questions Parents Often Ask

Does self-harm mean my child is suicidal?
Not always. While self-harm increases risk and should be taken seriously, many children self-harm as a way to cope with emotions—not because they want to die. Therapy helps clarify risk and build safety.

Will my child be blamed or disciplined in therapy?
No. Therapy is a nonjudgmental space focused on understanding, support, and skill-building.

How involved will I be as a parent?
Parents are an important part of the process. We’ll help you understand how to support your child without increasing fear or shame.

How long does treatment take?
Every child is different. Some need short-term support; others benefit from longer-term care, especially if trauma or ongoing stress is involved.

Why Families Trust River Haven Counseling

• Therapists experienced in child development and self-harm intervention
• Trauma-informed, safety-centered care
• A calm, compassionate environment where children feel protected
• Collaborative support for parents and caregivers

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If your child is engaging in self-harming behaviors, help is available—and recovery is possible. Early, supportive intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life.

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