At Abilene we understand that no one wants to go through life holding in negative emotions. We know that sometimes the need to gain relief from the feelings that cause you pain and frustration can lead you to self-harm as a form of release. After some time the emotional pain may become so great that even cutting may not be enough. It is time to put down the knife and let the caring staff at Abilene help you through this rough point in your life. Don’t continue to suffer in silence.
Self-harm is the act of intentionally hurting oneself as a way of coping with emotional pain and life stressors. While the most common form of self-harm is called “cutting,” other forms may include burning, hitting, hair-pulling, or consuming toxic substances. Although most individuals who engage in this unhealthy behavior do so without the intention of suicide, cutting is still a dangerous disorder that deserves immediate attention. As an individual becomes addicted to the feeling of release associated with the self-harm they may begin increasing the number and depth of wounds.
A lot of individuals struggling with self-harm also suffer from other mental health disorders which creates the need for specialized treatment. Undiagnosed mental health conditions can worsen self-harm behaviors as the individual is unsure of what is happening and unsure how to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms. At Abilene we are here to help you understand your symptoms and teach you that self-harm is not the only coping mechanism you have. You do not have to induce physical pain to get release from painful emotions. Let us show you how.
Why You Should Consider Inpatient Treatment at Abilene
Self-harming behaviors can lead to a life of secrecy, wearing long sleeves and pants all year to hide the scars. You may have feelings of shame or disgust as a result of your behavior. Without proper treatment you cannot learn new ways to cope with your emotions and the emotional pain will only grow. Abilene is a safe haven where you can get the help you need. We understand the negativity surrounding self-harm; that cutting has been the only way you know how to deal with it. We are not here to judge you.
The inpatient program at Abilene has shown to be a very effective treatment for individuals dealing with self-harming behaviors. Since most engage in self-mutilation for different reasons, we ensure that your treatment plan is designed around your specific needs. Our full continuum of care allows you to get the most appropriate inpatient treatment and aftercare available. Additionally, our holistic approach works to heal the mind, body, and spirit – not just the symptoms of your disorder.
We are dedicated to your recovery throughout your entire stay with us. After identifying what is causing you pain and coexisting disorders, we will help you set realistic goals that will guide you through the treatment process. By learning more appropriate coping skills you will soon be able to live a life free of self-harming behaviors. No matter your troubles, you can take comfort in knowing that someone will always be here for you when you need it most. Self-mutilation does not have to become your way of life.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Abilene takes pride in providing exceptional care, outstanding customer service, and total commitment to all of our patients. Our main goal for each of the treatment programs we offer is to instill a sense of hope in each individual, helping them realize that they can get better and go on to live a happy life. The healing environment at Abilene is a great place to face the struggles you have been hiding for so long. Self-harm does not have to be the first thing you turn to when you are in emotional pain. The compassionate staff at Abilene is here to be your support system.
Treatment of Self-Injury at Abilene
For an individual who is engaging in self-harm behaviors one of the most effective forms of treatment is an inpatient program where an individual can receive constant support and supervision. From the moment you enroll in our program until the very last day, you will work alongside your specialized treatment team deciding on effective treatments for your unique situation. We will continually assess your status to make sure that your treatment is effective.
Some individuals may require medication to help them manage the symptoms associated with self-harm and co-occurring disorders. While some individuals will need medication long-term to continue symptom management, others are able to stop taking medication once they have learned more appropriate coping behaviors to deal with outside stressors. Some of these therapies we offer include individual therapy sessions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, family therapy, experiential treatments, and group sessions.
Individual therapy provides you a safe environment where you will explore the causes of your self-harming behavior while working one-on-one with a licensed therapist. These sessions will be used to address any painful emotions, symptoms of co-occurring disorders, and help discover new ways of coping.
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) is often used in individual therapy sessions to make you aware that you hold the key to your happiness. By becoming aware of what is causing your distress you can learn to eliminate negative emotions and behaviors.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is similar to REBT that helps you to change negative thought patterns. By identifying your negative thoughts you can focus on more positive ways of thinking which will help to change the self-harm behaviors.
Group therapy helps individuals who self-harm as group provides the opportunity to connect with others who are suffering from similar issues. By engaging in group sessions you can learn from others while gaining their support and encouragement. The groups we offer at Abilene are process-based or psycho-educational. Both groups focus on specific topics each time they meet, allowing you to process your feelings and learn about related mental health topics.
Finally another important aspect of the treatment program here at Abilene are our family therapy sessions. We provide families with the opportunity and environment to work on problems within the family dynamic. It is important to sort through family issues as they can hinder the recovery process and may have contributed to the self-harming behavior. Additional time will be spent educating family about self-harm and the treatment process.
Since Abilene places emphasis on a holistic approach to treatment we are proud to offer a variety of experiential methods. Some of these methods include:
- A.A. and N.A.
- Music therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Anger management
- Spiritual counseling
Continuing Care – What Happens Next?
By the time you have come to the end of the inpatient program at Abilene Behavioral Health, an aftercare plan will have been created to allow for your continued care. We want to make sure that you remain successful in your recovery once you have transitioned to the next step.
Abilene offers a number of outpatient services including a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), as well as traditional outpatient therapy. No matter which program you transfer to you can be sure that we will continue to provide you the support and tools needed to help you integrate back into your community. All of our programs offer specific services such as individual therapy, family therapy, and medication management. You and your treatment team will decide which program will be most appropriate for you.
If you or a loved one struggle with self-injury, please call Abilene for a confidential consultation. We will help you decide the next steps.