Does this sound like your child?
It can be frightening to notice your child struggling with self-harm or thoughts of not wanting to live. Parents often feel helpless, scared, or unsure how serious the situation really is.
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Kids and teens who are hurting may:
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Talk about wanting to disappear or not be alive
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Express hopelessness, guilt, or feeling like a burden
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Withdraw from family, friends, or favorite activities
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Show cuts, scratches, or unexplained injuries
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Use clothing or accessories to hide marks on their body
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Struggle with sleep, appetite, or daily routines
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Act irritable, angry, or unusually quiet
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Make concerning statements online or in texts
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These challenges are not a sign of weakness or attention-seeking. They are signals that your child is experiencing pain that feels bigger than their current coping skills.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens Find Safety and Hope
Most kids who self-harm are not trying to die. They are trying to release overwhelming emotions or cope with feelings they cannot explain. Therapy gives them safer tools.
At PlayWorks, therapy is a safe space for children to express their pain and learn healthier ways to cope. We approach self-harm and suicidal thoughts with care, compassion, and evidence-informed strategies.
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Teach calming tools that work in moments of distress
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Explore the feelings underneath self-harm or unsafe thoughts
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Replace harmful coping strategies with safe, effective ones
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Build resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation
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Strengthen trust and communication with family
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Restore hope and confidence in the future
Therapy helps children who engage in self-harm reduce emotional distress, build healthier coping skills, and strengthen protective factors like family connection and resilience.
- Research on child and adolescent self-harm interventions (Jacobson & Gould, 2007; Muehlenkamp et al., 2015)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts?
Research shows that repeated stress and hopelessness can over-activate brain regions tied to fear and pain. Play therapy helps calm these systems and strengthen resilience pathways.
Because children and teens often cannot put their darkest feelings into words. Play therapy gives them a safe way to express overwhelming emotions, explore the meaning behind their behaviors, and practice healthier coping strategies.
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Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are linked to over-activation of the brain’s stress systems, including the amygdala, which can make emotions feel unbearable. Play therapy helps calm these systems and strengthens pathways in the prefrontal cortex that support problem-solving, resilience, and hope.
Over time, children learn to:
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Express and regulate overwhelming emotions safely
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Identify triggers and early warning signs
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Build coping strategies that reduce the urge to self-harm
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Strengthen connections with supportive people
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Rebuild confidence and belief in their own worth
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks for Self-Harm & Suicide Therapy
We prioritize safety
Your child’s well-being is always the first priority. We use proven safety planning and collaborate with families when higher levels of care are needed..
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We provide compassion, not judgement
Children are not defined by their darkest moments. We see their pain as a signal that they need care, not punishment.
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We support YOU too
We provide parent check-ins, progress updates, and practical tools you can use at home to support your child.
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just target “bad behavior” or “symptoms”. We support resilience, empathy, and emotional growth that lasts a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Every child and family belongs here.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
It is overwhelming to see your child hurting and to worry about their safety. At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and grounded in neuroscience. With the right support, children can learn to cope with pain in healthier ways and rediscover hope for the future.
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Together, we will help your child feel safe, connected, and ready to move forward.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region.Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.