I am not one that resorts to SI very often, but when I do, burning myself is where I go. Usually with a hot iron to my wrist. I am having a really hard time right now, and the urge to do that is strong.

I sent my therapist an email about it. Now I am worried that she may have to report this. At what point does a therapist have to report a client who is contemplating SI?

[Dark_Dreams]

don't generally talk about si with my therapist but she did tell me that as a general rule she does not report si. She has a decent understanding of si, the urges behind it and knows that it is not going to lead to suicide. Unfortunately, some therapists thing "Harm to self" and immediately jump the gun. Have you ever talked about si with your therapist? How did she respond?

[suzzie]

((( squiggle )))

Since I haven't done anything that would put my life at risk, she hasn't been ovely concerned. She saw the scars, but saw them as a cry for help, and not an attempt at suicide. The last incident I had was 3 years ago, long before I started seeing her.

The reason I am fighting this now, is because we are getting to a point in therapy where anger is surfacing. I don't like the way it feels, so I can either push it down, or look for some way to release it and move on.

[Dark_Dreams]

If this is something that you have not done for a while why not tell her that you have reached this level in therapy and ask her for other tools that can be used right now while things are rather intense. You are being proactive and I seriously doubt she will report you for taking steps to protect yourself. Why would she need to

[Skully]

The only person she can really report it to is your pdoc. Your therapist falls under confidentiality laws (at least in the US anyway) so she cannot tell your parents/partner about it unless you are under a certain age that varies by state in the US.

[Sannah]

It sound like she understands SI. Can you talk about your anger Squiggle? This is a good way to release it.

[phoenix7]

i think its only if it life threatening

that they have to report it

[Abby]

Originally Posted by Squiggle328

The reason I am fighting this now, is because we are getting to a point in therapy where anger is surfacing. I don't like the way it feels, so I can either push it down, or look for some way to release it and move on.

Anger is a horrid emotion and therapists generally say talk about it, release it, that its 'good' to be able to be angry. But, for me, once I open the gate all my anger floods out and it is hard to control. It is really scary!! Has your therapist helped you try and find another way to control the anger. Mine suggested exercise as I go to the gym and I like going because it is good to focus on pushing myself hard. I don't have any more ideas and I need some more, so if you have any I would welcome them.

I'm glad your therapist understood.

[Sannah]

Abby, are you and your therapist working to get your anger out in smaller pieces then or something like that?

[ladyjrnlist]

My T told me he only has to report threats upon my own life or someone else's. Otherwise, not so much. SI is not usually considered a life-threatening event. On a side note, it sounds so painful what you are doing. I am sorry you feel that need to hurt. Please try not to do that to yourself. Hugs.

[krisakira]

If your therapist knows you very well, he or she will decide what kind of threat is considered life-threatening. For instance, if you have a history of SI'ing so bad that you needed to go to a hospital or otherwise die, and threat to do the same, your therapist has the obligation to report. However, if you SI normally without needing stitches or otherwise life-saving treatment, and say you are going to SI, your therapist will probably not report you. I have a current therapist who says she will not stand in the way of me SI'ing, but would rather me talk about what is bothering me instead. Therefore, it really depends on your history, what you are threatening, and how well your therapist knows you.