When to Seek Counseling for Self-Destructive Behavior in Children

Grappling with the decision to seek counseling for a child often causes parental distress and confusion. However, some types of self-destructive behavior such as self-inflicted cuts or burns tend to become a dangerous habit and treatment can help. Once the territory of teenagers, self-harm has been reported in 8 percent of third-graders, according to the National Research Center for Women and Families. The type of self-destructive behaviors and their cause vary and may be hard to spot, but counseling can help.

  1. Description

    • Children who harm themselves, but don't have suicidal intention, often practice self-injurious behavior such as cutting, burning, scratching or skin-picking. This type of behavior falls under the term, non-suicidal self-injury. A variant of this behavior called the choking game consists of applying pressure to the neck manually or with a scarf or belt, restricting the blood flow to the brain. Once pressure is released the blood and oxygen rushing to the brain cause a sensation some teens and children find pleasurable. This game caused at least 82 accidental deaths of youth ages 6 to 19 between 1995 and 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Causes

    • Desperation, anger or attention-seeking can cause this type of behavior. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness may also underlie self-injury. Depression or bipolar disorder can also cause self-destructive actions. Some young children who practice self-destructive behavior may grow out of it, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. However, the dangers these behaviors pose dictate discussion with a pediatrician and/or counseling. Suicidal thoughts or actions are an emergency and parents should seek medical care immediately.

    How to Spot Dangerous Behavior

    • Parents should take note of injuries to a child's skin. A mix of different types of wounds can signal self-harming behavior. Children often report self-injury to friends or relatives; parents who suspect a problem should ask those closest to the child. The choking game often results in purple spots on the neck or eyelids, cuts on the neck, headaches and disorientation. The choking game is considered a gateway activity, which may lead to more dangerous activity like drug use, according to the National Research Center for Women and Families.

    Choosing a Therapist

    • Finding a therapist that both you and your child feel good about should not seem overwhelming. Gather names from your doctor, friends and family members. Ask for a consultation with the therapist to see if you and your child feel comfortable with him. When meeting for the first time, ask for credentials, experience, specialty and if she is willing to meet with you as well as your child. Check with the state board for that profession to make sure the therapist is licensed to practice in your state. Ask your insurance company about coverage, co-pay and number of sessions allowed.

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