How Holina Supports Young People Aged 15–24 Who Self-Harm: Safety, Compassion, and Hope
Ian Young
05 min read
Understanding Self-Harm in Young People
Self-harm—such as cutting, scratching, or burning—is often misunderstood. It’s not about attracting attention, but rather an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions, numbness, or psychological pain.
At Holina Village, we meet these behaviours with empathy, safety, and specialised therapeutic care. Healing begins when young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore what lies beneath their pain.
Why Young People Self-Harm
Self-harm is typically a symptom of deeper emotional distress. Common underlying causes include:
Trauma or unresolved grief
Anxiety, depression, or emotional suppression
Shame, guilt, or low self-esteem
Feeling out of control or emotionally disconnected
Internalised pressure to appear “strong” or “fine”
It’s a call for help, not a character flaw.
📌 Related: Understanding Burnout in Youth →
How Holina Helps Young People Heal from Self-Harm
We never shame or punish young people for self-harming. Our approach is built on emotional safety and trust. Holina provides:
A safe, 24/7 therapeutic campus
With continuous supervision, calming spaces, and compassionate staff trained in trauma-informed care.Individual therapy tailored to trauma and coping behaviours
Using CBT, DBT, and ACT to build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.Daily therapeutic groups
To reduce isolation and teach communication, boundary setting, and empathy.Creative and somatic therapies
Including art, music, and outdoor activities that provide safe emotional expression.
📌 Related: Our Counselling & Therapy Approach →
📌 Therapeutic Farm Environment →
Restoring Self-Worth and Identity
Many young people who self-harm struggle with shame and identity loss. At Holina, we support them in:
Exploring personal values and purpose
Building self-compassion and resilience
Reconnecting with their bodies in gentle, empowering ways
Finding meaning in their recovery journey
Involving the Family in the Healing Process
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Holina offers robust family involvement, including:
Weekly virtual or in-person family therapy
Parent education on trauma and emotional health
Repairing family dynamics and communication
Aftercare planning for sustainable support
📌 Related: Family Engagement at Holina →
Conclusion: Healing from Self-Harm Is Possible
Self-harming behaviour is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new path when met with understanding and care. Holina Village offers young people aged 15–24 the tools, environment, and support to feel safe in their bodies and hopeful about their future.
📧 info@holinacyprus.com
📱 +66 (0) 62641-8369
🌍 www.holinacyprus.com
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