Self Harming Therapists in Vancouver, BC
Nita Agustin
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I e...
Emanuelito Tomas
Registered Nurse (RN), Mental Health Therapist, CPMHN(C)
With extensive experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, and national certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, I offer compassionate, evidence-based care. Let’s work together to build skills that help you manage emotions and create stability and clarity.
Daniela Arrieta Galvan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I am passionate about helping people heal from soul wounds created by historical, collective and relational trauma. Many of my clients struggle to find a sense of self & identity, disconnection to themselves & others and childhood & intergenerational trauma. I help them make meaning of their experiences, process emotions, heal wounds and find their way back to themselves.
Ed Chen M.Ed, RCC-ACS, CCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Clinical Supervisor, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Ed is a BCACC registered, CCPA certified clinical counsellor, and a BCACC Approved Clinical Supervisor. Ed has extensive experience in delivering Dialectical Behavior Therapy to high-risk adults, youths and families experiencing concerns such as suicidality, self-harm, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions.
How do therapists in Vancouver, BC compare?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Self Harming
What is self-harm and why do people do it?
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) — commonly called self-harm — refers to deliberate physical harm to oneself (such as cutting, burning, or hitting) that is not intended as a suicide attempt. Self-harm most often serves a function: it may provide temporary relief from overwhelming emotional pain, a sense of control when life feels chaotic, a way of feeling real when emotionally numb, or a means of expressing or punishing feelings that have no other outlet. Understanding the function — not just stopping the behaviour — is central to effective treatment.
Who is most affected by self-harm?
Self-harm is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults — research suggests 17–24% of adolescents in Canada engage in NSSI at some point. It occurs across genders, though it presents differently: females are more likely to cut, males to burn or hit. Self-harm is strongly associated with emotional dysregulation, trauma, depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, but also occurs in people without a formal diagnosis who are struggling with overwhelming life circumstances.
What therapy approaches are most effective for self-harm?
DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) has the strongest evidence base for self-harm, specifically because it directly targets emotional dysregulation and teaches concrete distress tolerance skills as alternatives to self-harm. CBT addresses the thoughts and beliefs that drive self-harm. Trauma-informed approaches are important when self-harm is connected to traumatic experiences. Treatment begins with safety planning and building alternative coping strategies before exploring the deeper emotional roots of the behaviour. A non-judgmental, curious therapeutic stance is essential.
Is self-harm the same as suicidal behaviour?
Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour are distinct, though they can co-occur. NSSI is not intended to cause death — in fact, many people who self-harm report that it helps them manage pain enough to keep living. That said, a history of NSSI is a risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts, and should always be assessed in that context. A therapist will assess both when self-harm is a presenting concern, and will include suicide risk evaluation as part of the clinical picture.
What should I do if someone I care about is self-harming?
Stay calm, listen without judgement, and avoid reacting with panic or anger — escalating reactions can reinforce the secrecy and shame that perpetuate self-harm. Express care and concern directly. Encourage the person to speak with a therapist, and offer to help them find one if they are willing. If you are worried about immediate safety, contact a crisis line or take them to an emergency room. Supporting someone who self-harms can be distressing — your own mental health and support matter too, and therapy or a support group for family members is a valid option.
