If your therapist sees self-harm injuries on your body during a session and you haven't disclosed this behavior to them despite having been their client for over a year, several possible reactions and actions may occur:
Concern and empathy: A professional therapist is trained to handle such situations with care and understanding. They will likely be concerned about your well-being and may express empathy towards your struggles.
Addressing immediate safety: The therapist's priority will be ensuring your safety. They may ask about the injuries, inquire if you're in immediate danger, and evaluate the severity of the harm.
Non-judgmental approach: A therapist's role is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. They will likely avoid making you feel ashamed or guilty for self-harming and instead focus on understanding the reasons behind it.
Encouraging disclosure: The therapist may encourage you to talk about your self-harm experiences openly. Being honest about your struggles can help the therapist understand your situation better and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Assessing mental health: The therapist may assess your mental health and well-being to determine the underlying issues contributing to self-harming behaviors. This assessment may include exploring potential triggers, stressors, and emotional challenges.
Collaborative treatment plan: Based on the information gathered, the therapist may work with you to create a treatment plan to address the root causes of self-harm and explore healthier coping mechanisms.
Referral or additional support: Depending on the severity of the self-harm and the therapist's assessment, they may consider involving other mental health professionals or services to provide additional support.
Confidentiality: Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality rules, and they will not share information about your self-harm with others without your consent, except in situations where they believe you or others may be at risk of harm.
It's essential to remember that therapists are there to help and support you. If you've been struggling with self-harm but haven't been able to talk about it, try to be open and honest with your therapist about your experiences and feelings. This will allow them to better support you and work together towards healing and recovery.