It wasn't until my most recent two therapists that I recognized what SI was and that I had a problem with it, although I have done it since I was 5 or 6 years old in one way or another. Of the two, one had intake questionnaires that were very thorough, and I was ready to get everything on the table, so I was honest about it from the start. He dealt with SI pretty well, and tried to explore the reasons behind it. It was important for him to know that I cut, because part of what that did for me was to validate that I really did need help. There is a reason for it, and it is the reason that is important.

My current T has her own scars. I knew her from a class I took that she taught, and I knew that she would be understanding about SI because of the way she covered it in class. I actually confessed my cutting to her several months before I became a client. Her response put me at ease about talking to her about it right away, although I didn't know that she had experience with SI. She said that it was understandable, and even "healthy at the core," as at least it is an attempt to cope. Maybe it isn't the best way to deal with our problems, but at least we are trying and not just giving up. I still needed more therapy, and probably would not have looked for it if I had not found her.

Neither of them has dwelt on the topic of SI, and it has not come up in the majority of sessions. It doesn't need to be a main focus of therapy.

Some therapists are better with this issue than others, so if the one you start with doesn't handle it well, find someone else. But awareness is increasing rapidly, and along with it is the understanding that the last thing we need is more shame and guilt over the last coping resource we have left.

I am glad that you have decided to get help. Please let us know how it goes.

TC,
Rap