Just found out a month ago that my daughter began becoming involved with SI. We quickly got her into a therapist that she’s been seeing 1-2 times per week in the hopes that addressing her SI. We were hoping that quick intervention would lead her NOT to progress into other self destructive behaviors. We’re very concerned that she’s escalted her behavior to include SI, binge eating/purging and thoughts of dying. She’s believes in God, is very beautiful, well liked, and talented young lady (she’s been home-schooled for the past 3 years, is academically gifted, and a very talented gymnast). We’re very loving and involved parents (she’s our only child – adopted at birth with connections to her birth family), and are struggling to understand why she’s become involved with SI. We know of no issues of abuse, bullying, or other trauma that could have triggered this and our daughter refuses to talk with us or allow us in her therapy sessions. Any ideas and feedback would be greatly appreciated !!!
God bless 🙂
Hello,
SI is something that is very hard to talk about, especially in someone so young. It is a difficult subject to even understand, as it does not discriminate with age, race or religious background. The thoughts and behaviours that follow SI are mind-boggling and can appear strange to someone ‘from the outside looking in.’ I have studied SI behaviours, with intention on become a psychologist, and if you’d like I can explain to you the best I can, what I know.If you’re willing, I’d love to chat with you. I am not a professional, but I can try and explain what I know! 🙂
God bless, and with love,
gdaem@live.com
It’s certainly a difficult thing to learn about your child. How great that you are working to educate yourself on the subject and help your daughter. Please feel free to call Joni – she is a therapist in our program and would be more than happy to answer any questions for you and offer suggestions. You may reach her directly at 708.420.9066. Also, here is a link to our free parent webinar which is about 30 minutes long and was conducted by Dr. Wendy Lader – one of the S.A.F.E. co-founders. Here is the link: http://store.selfinjury.com/products/Parents-Webinar%3A-by-Dr.-Wendy-Lader.html
I hope some of this is helpful to you. Best wishes. Pam (Blog moderator and Clinical Therapist)
My daughter is adopted as well, so I totally understand your frustration. I found out that my daughter was injuring about a year ago and we have been struggling with it ever since. We have her in counseling, but she is very good at making everyone believe that she is ok. I feel like I have nowhere to turn right now for support. I want to be there for her and it breaks my heart that I can’t help her or that she doesn’t feel like she can come to me when she is sad. It’s so frustrating to feel alone. I hope that you and your daughter find healing. Sincerely, Kellie Kissler