Photo of Derek Petersen, Pre-Licensed Professional in 19403, PA
Derek Petersen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Audubon, PA 19403
Are you hoping to find someone who will not only listen & support you, but also actively engage with you? Are you new to therapy or maybe had a less than great experience in the past? Therapy can be life-changing, and I am here to create a safe & welcoming space for you to explore what’s happening in your life & connect it to our broader work together. I am a down-to-earth and approachable therapist who understands that life can be complex & challenging for anyone. I believe in focusing less on labels & more on providing practical support & guidance aimed at fitting what YOU need in your ongoing real life.
Are you hoping to find someone who will not only listen & support you, but also actively engage with you? Are you new to therapy or maybe had a less than great experience in the past? Therapy can be life-changing, and I am here to create a safe & welcoming space for you to explore what’s happening in your life & connect it to our broader work together. I am a down-to-earth and approachable therapist who understands that life can be complex & challenging for anyone. I believe in focusing less on labels & more on providing practical support & guidance aimed at fitting what YOU need in your ongoing real life.
(610) 385-3155 View (610) 385-3155
Photo of Susan D. Draper, Licensed Professional Counselor in 19403, PA
Susan D. Draper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Norriton, PA 19403  (Online Only)
Everyone has a lens through which we view the world created by our unique experiences, struggles, triumphs, and diverse cultural languages, but so often we feel as if we lack the voice to express our true selves and needs to others. We struggle to find the courage to live authentically in a world that often doesn’t understand or validate our humanity, empathy, and sense of self. As we find self-empowerment, we can come together to empower our families, communities, and ultimately our world as a united whole to meet the challenges we face as human beings. Therapy can help overcome past trauma to help us live fully in the present.
Everyone has a lens through which we view the world created by our unique experiences, struggles, triumphs, and diverse cultural languages, but so often we feel as if we lack the voice to express our true selves and needs to others. We struggle to find the courage to live authentically in a world that often doesn’t understand or validate our humanity, empathy, and sense of self. As we find self-empowerment, we can come together to empower our families, communities, and ultimately our world as a united whole to meet the challenges we face as human beings. Therapy can help overcome past trauma to help us live fully in the present.
(610) 825-9400 View (610) 825-9400
Photo of Savina Lawrence, Pre-Licensed Professional in 19403, PA
Savina Lawrence
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Audubon, PA 19403
Are you feeling stuck or ambivalent? Uncertainty can be overwhelming and a source of anxiety. My goal is to help guide my clients to find their own answers by providing a safe, comfortable environment for expressing and exploring feelings. I will not rush into fixing, but rather find the right questions to ask to help you delve deeper in your exploration and see things from a new perspective.
Are you feeling stuck or ambivalent? Uncertainty can be overwhelming and a source of anxiety. My goal is to help guide my clients to find their own answers by providing a safe, comfortable environment for expressing and exploring feelings. I will not rush into fixing, but rather find the right questions to ask to help you delve deeper in your exploration and see things from a new perspective.
(610) 850-8009 View (610) 850-8009
Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.