Self Injury Support Resources
What is Self Injury?
A way of coping, not seeking attention
Self-injury (or self-harm) happens when someone deliberately hurts themselves. This might include hitting, biting, scratching, or other actions that cause physical harm. While it can be upsetting to see, self-injury is rarely about seeking attention, it’s usually a way to manage overwhelming feelings, release tension, or feel a sense of control when life feels too much. Understanding and addressing the feelings underneath self-injury is key to helping someone stay safe and find other ways to cope. With patience and the right supports, people can learn new skills to handle big emotions without hurting themselves.
It looks different for everyone
No two people experience self-injury the same way. Some may hurt themselves during moments of distress or anger, while others do it quietly and repeatedly when feeling numb or disconnected. Behaviours can also vary, from visible injuries to more hidden actions. Recognising these patterns without judgment helps us respond with empathy and care.
Support should offer safety and understanding
Punishment, shame, or telling someone to “just stop” doesn’t work, it can make self-injury worse. Real support means staying calm, offering comfort, and teaching alternative ways to manage difficult emotions. With compassionate guidance and safe environments, individuals can build healthier coping tools and regain a sense of control without harm.
Championing People who Self Injure
Self-injury is a sign that someone is overwhelmed and needs help, not blame. We walk alongside children, teens, and adults, creating safety and practical strategies to manage distress and support healing.
Supporting emotional regulation and resilience
Through therapy and gentle coaching, we build skills to manage big emotions and navigate challenges safely.
Creating safe, calming environments
We set up spaces and routines that reduce stress and provide comfort during overwhelming moments.
Providing crisis and safety planning
We work with families and services to create non-punitive safety plans that protect dignity and wellbeing during difficult times.
Teaching safe alternative coping tools
We provide practical techniques like grounding exercises, sensory supports, and other ways to release tension without harm.
Collaborating with schools, carers, and services
We ensure everyone involved responds consistently, calmly, and with understanding across all settings.
How we can help people who Self Injure?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand self-injury and respond safely
Tools to support emotional safety and reduce household stress
Guidance for carers to provide calm, non-judgemental support
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand how self-injury affects daily living and safety
Recommendations for therapeutic and environmental supports
NDIS planning for crisis intervention and mental health services
Skill-Building and Coping Strategies →
Teaching grounding techniques, mindfulness, and safe sensory tools
Coaching for problem-solving and managing overwhelming situations
Activities to build resilience and self-advocacy
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans focused on prevention and harm reduction
Strategies to redirect self-injury with safer coping tools
Training for carers and educators to recognise triggers and respond effectively
Psychology and Mental Health →
Trauma-informed therapy for emotional regulation and healing
Support for managing anxiety, depression, or intense feelings
Building self-worth and healthy ways to communicate distress
Regional Intensives →
In-home support for individuals and families in remote communities
Practical guidance for managing crises safely
Collaboration with schools and health services for ongoing safety planning
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.