It's essential to prioritize your well-being and safety, so if you have relapsed in self-harm, it's crucial to seek help and support.
Telling your therapist about the relapse is essential for several reasons:
Safety: Self-harm can be dangerous and may lead to serious consequences. Your therapist needs to be aware of this so they can help you establish safety measures and coping strategies.
Honest communication: Therapy is most effective when there's open and honest communication between you and your therapist. Sharing your struggles, including relapses, allows your therapist to better understand your needs and provide appropriate support.
Tailored treatment: By knowing about the relapse, your therapist can adjust the treatment plan to address the challenges you're facing. This way, they can offer more targeted interventions and coping mechanisms.
Reducing shame and isolation: Keeping this information to yourself might lead to increased feelings of shame and isolation. Sharing it with your therapist can help alleviate these emotions and provide a sense of relief.
Support and understanding: Your therapist is there to support you through difficult times. They are trained to handle sensitive topics like self-harm and can provide guidance and compassion.
If you're finding it hard to talk about it directly, you could try writing it down in a letter or a note and share that with your therapist during your session. This approach can sometimes make it easier to express difficult emotions.
Remember, therapists are bound by confidentiality rules and are there to help you without judgment. It's their job to provide a safe space for you to talk about your experiences and emotions.
If you're struggling to open up to your current therapist, you might also consider discussing these feelings with another mental health professional or a support helpline. The key is to seek help and not go through this alone.
Please prioritize your well-being and reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life for support.