Photo of Dr. Sondra Duff Wilder, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Alabama
Dr. Sondra Duff Wilder
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
I have served in the mental health field for the past 39 years and I still love serving people who have mental health needs. I mostly serve adult clients (females, males, Civilians, and Veterans), couples, families, other practices, organizations, and government agencies. I have found in my practice that most people want to know that their healthcare provider cares for them. They need for their healthcare provider to actively listen to them. I have served people who want to be comfortable with themselves and to love themselves. I am glad to have the opportunity to serve those people and to help them meet their mental health goals.
I have served in the mental health field for the past 39 years and I still love serving people who have mental health needs. I mostly serve adult clients (females, males, Civilians, and Veterans), couples, families, other practices, organizations, and government agencies. I have found in my practice that most people want to know that their healthcare provider cares for them. They need for their healthcare provider to actively listen to them. I have served people who want to be comfortable with themselves and to love themselves. I am glad to have the opportunity to serve those people and to help them meet their mental health goals.
(205) 927-6795 View (205) 927-6795
Photo of Rivertown Psychiatry-Columbus, Psychiatrist in Alabama
Rivertown Psychiatry-Columbus
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Opelika, AL 36801
WALK IN CLINIC: One of our regions biggest issues with mental health is the absence of a psychiatrist when a patient decides to see one. No more 1-2 month waits for appointments. By having a walk-in clinic available, we are here when you most need us! MISSION STATEMENT : To provide professional and compassionate evaluation and continuing care to adults, children and families with psychiatric issues in a confidential and caring environment. To achieve this we incorporate both physician and nurse practitioners in our practice who are Board Certified Psychiatrically specialized providers who essentially can provide medications and psychotherapy.
WALK IN CLINIC: One of our regions biggest issues with mental health is the absence of a psychiatrist when a patient decides to see one. No more 1-2 month waits for appointments. By having a walk-in clinic available, we are here when you most need us! MISSION STATEMENT : To provide professional and compassionate evaluation and continuing care to adults, children and families with psychiatric issues in a confidential and caring environment. To achieve this we incorporate both physician and nurse practitioners in our practice who are Board Certified Psychiatrically specialized providers who essentially can provide medications and psychotherapy.
(334) 275-9595 View (334) 275-9595
Self-Harming Psychiatrists

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.