Ozark Trails Academy knows how to help your troubled teen as he or she heals from Self-Harm, a condition in which they are deliberately causing injury to themself, more than only in the form of cutting, at times by burning, punching, head banging or breaking their own bones. It can also be characterized by participation in high-risk activities.

Self-Harm (also known as self-abuse, self-mutilation or self-injury) can be the way in which they are able to express feelings not able to put into words, divert from painful emotions, or gain power over, at least, their own body if he or she feels they can’t control anything else in their life.  It is also a cry for help.

Many teens who suffer with Self-Harm report some type of childhood abuse (sexual or physical), and almost all say they were discouraged from showing emotions.  Self-Abuse is not generally seen as a cry for help, since it is usually done in secret, and work to hide the actions, as well as the emotions that lead to it. Your teen may feel alone or empty, frightened by the thought of intimate relationships.

Self-harming behaviors can be a sign of several different psychiatric illnesses or personality disorders.

Treating Self-Harming Teenagers at Ozark Trails

Because Self-Injury may be linked to a variety of mental disorders like depression or eating disorders, it is especially necessary to properly diagnose your teenager.

There is not a single treatment approved for this disorder, but a myriad of options, such as different types of therapy.  Treatment might include helping him or her to understand destructive thoughts and behaviors, gaining skills in developing outside relationships, mindfulness-based therapies (which help them to live in the present and properly construe the behaviors of those around).

Ozark Trails—A place of hope, healing and purpose for troubled teens.

Ozark Trails is an affordable residential treatment center that provides outstanding clinical therapy, incredible academic learning, and amazing outdoor responsibility and adventure for teen girls and boys, ages 12-17. Our program is family focused, and students receive individual treatment care by licensed clinical therapists.

Ozark Trails rests on 750 acres near Willow Springs, MO. Daily life and therapy here includes horses, chickens, farming, rafting, spelunking, rock climbing, hiking, wilderness learning, and so much more.  With an unlimited access to spring rivers, caves, hiking, equine, and biking trails, we have the perfect balance of nature, inclusive of a large, comfortable facility to let our students feel safe in a home environment.

Again, if your teen boy or girl needs help recovering from Self-Harming behavior, please call us at (417) 278-6868 now. We want to help him or her find new positive ways to manage life’s obstacles and traumas, and discover a true change of heart.