Self-Harm Behaviors

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Dr. Elizabeth Vance, PsyD, LCSW

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Verified Clinician

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist

Dr. Vance is a licensed clinical psychologist and somatic therapy pioneer with over 14 years of clinical outpatient experience. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic down-regulation techniques, and values-based emotional regulation frameworks.

๐ŸŽ“ Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Stanford University Verify Credentials (CA BBS)
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What is definition of Self-Harm Behaviors in Mental Health Conditions?

Self-harm behaviors, in the context of mental health conditions, refer to intentional acts of harming oneself with the purpose of causing physical harm or injury. These acts are typically not intended as suicide attempts but are instead used as coping mechanisms to regulate emotional pain or distress. Examples of self-harm behaviors include cutting, burning, scratching, hair pulling, hitting oneself, or any other form of self-inflicted harm. It is crucial to recognize that self-harm behaviors are often signs of underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or trauma.