Being a Safe Space For Someone Who Self-Injures

Self-injury appears in the TWLOHA mission statement. It’s something we work to destigmatize and to present hope and healing for those who struggle with it. But in today’s episode, we’re talking about what it means to be the parent, friend, partner, or loved one of someone who engages in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. What so many people need is a safe space to share without judgment and to explore their options when it comes to professional care.

To help us navigate and understand how to be safe spaces, we’re joined by counselor Michelle Moore, who addresses the hard but honest fact that we, as caretakers, confidants, and guardians, can rarely be everything that person might need. She also talks about how it’s OK for us to recognize that we too might ultimately need help in being safe spaces.

Michelle Moore is a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, Florida, who works at Solace Counseling, which is also owned and run by Michelle and her husband Aaron. She specializes in working with both adults and adolescents who are facing mental health challenges such as self-injury, eating disorders, depression, addiction, and more.