not everyone who was abused as a child engages in cutting and other forms of self-injury. Findings from anecdotal and empirical studies show that it is not simply abuse but, rather, abuse in the context of pathological family relationships that places an individual at risk for self-harm.
Women who cut generally benefit from therapy directed at helping them work through their trauma. The therapist helps them confront and deal with the emotions and thoughts associated with the abuse. Through exercising compassion toward the self, the client replaces avoidance with awareness. Resolution may or may not involve forgiveness to the perpetrator, but what is important is that the client redefines her relationship with the trauma.
a therapist may also teach the client more adaptive coping skills to deal with triggers, such as meditation, visual imagery exercises, writing and other forms of artistic expression. Body image work may also be helpful.
clipped from: thoughtsontherapy.blogspot.com