Photo of Tejal Kaur, Psychiatrist in 10010, NY
Tejal Kaur
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
Guided by my belief that authentic, meaningful relationships drive high quality care, I partner with our patients and families to first treat psychiatric symptoms, and then move into a preventative approach. I help my patients, both kids or adults, to discover and build on their own strengths, educate them about the science behind how their brains work, and then provide them with the necessary tools to become their own health expert. I refuse to believe that my patients cannot get better, and I work tirelessly with you to help you build a better life.
Guided by my belief that authentic, meaningful relationships drive high quality care, I partner with our patients and families to first treat psychiatric symptoms, and then move into a preventative approach. I help my patients, both kids or adults, to discover and build on their own strengths, educate them about the science behind how their brains work, and then provide them with the necessary tools to become their own health expert. I refuse to believe that my patients cannot get better, and I work tirelessly with you to help you build a better life.
(917) 512-6907 View (917) 512-6907
Photo of Dr. Jason Shimiaie, Psychiatrist in 10010, NY
Dr. Jason Shimiaie
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Mount Sinai trained and affiliated, board-certified psychiatrist. I take an approach that is highly personalized to every individual's needs, taking into consideration unique characteristics and circumstances in each encounter. I believe that the treatment process is based in a partnership between patient and doctor, moving forward towards the patient's goals. ​
I am a Mount Sinai trained and affiliated, board-certified psychiatrist. I take an approach that is highly personalized to every individual's needs, taking into consideration unique characteristics and circumstances in each encounter. I believe that the treatment process is based in a partnership between patient and doctor, moving forward towards the patient's goals. ​
(646) 760-7760 View (646) 760-7760
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.