Assessing the Consequences of Self-Harm in DBT: Vulnerability and Precipitating Events

Psychē, PLLC Vanderbilt University

The therapist assesses the consequences of self-harm, focusing on the moment the client experienced overwhelming frustration and distress related to an assignment and the impact of the boyfriend’s response.
The client feels less anxious after self-harming but acknowledges that it hindered the ability to work on the project further, highlighting the complex emotions and challenges that were faced.
The therapist investigates the factors leading up to the point of no return, which contributed to distress, and the potential reinforcement of self-harm as a coping mechanism.