Question about cutting and disagreement with therapist

shakaz · 08-10-2010, 10:50 PM

I'm in the USA, so I'm interested in the rules here.

I know that if I am at risk for causing "serious harm" to myself or others that I can be committed to the hospital against my will.

Does cutting count as "serious harm?" I don't cut deeply, I've never needed stitches.

My therapist is frustrated with me cutting and last time I saw her she told me she will have me committed if I cut again.

Can she really do that?

effervescence · 08-10-2010, 11:33 PM

I doubt she could do that going by what you say. It really depends on the seriousness of your cuts whether she would be able to take action like that. If you don't cut deeply you probably don't qualify as causing serious harm to yourself or others. That usually means if you've expressed suidical intent, intent to hurt someome else or you are harming yourself seriously, requiring medical treatment.

Perhaps think about getting a new therapist if you don't feel this one is helping you.

zivalover16 · 09-10-2010, 08:48 AM

I had a therapist like that.She never did but continually threatened me and told my mom stuff we talked about.... I highly suggest switching to a new one. They shouldn't threaten you. As for you're question. I'm not totally sure but I believe she can. If she is afraid for you're life then she can even if you aren't going deep. As I said though I highly suggest switching to someone who won't threaten you. It make recovery easier

Horizon · 09-10-2010, 06:07 PM

I think it was probably a threat to scare you into ceasing your self-harm.
Being committed is serious and for those in immediate danger who (most of the time) do not realize just how ill they are or that they need intensive care. Usually they would (if they thought you needed a hospital) recommend going in voluntarily. In my experience I haven't seen a lot of people admitted or committed for self-harm. It's usually suicidal impulses/thoughts/ideation or homicidal thoughts, etc. Maybe majorly, almost fatal self-harm. Again, this is just my experience.

It sounds like a different therapist who won't use scare tactics like that could be a positive change for you.

Coffee Addict · 10-10-2010, 03:16 AM

In the US, you are not going to be commited for self harm....you will be lucky to even get help for it.

Most of the time you will only get comitted if they think you have seriuosly tried to commit sucide or have a really good plan (and saying you are going to OD is not good enough).

Unless you cut deep enough to need surgery, they are going to put it in your charts as "superficial wounds" and to them it's just a pain in the ass to deal with and nothing more.

shakaz · 12-10-2010, 09:27 PM

Thanks for all the answers

fuzzylumpkins · 14-10-2010, 04:48 AM

Just FYI, if you're in Canada (hopefully this applies elsewhere as well), if you're committed, as part of your admissions process you will meet with a patient's rights advocate (the name differs, its been awhile since I've had to meet with one).

Their job is entirely to prevent things like wrongful admission, and patient abuse, and they should give you a phone number that you can call at any time to discuss these topics with them.

So even if (god forbid) you do end up committed, provided you don't satisfy the legal requirements for involuntary admission, you won't stay there very long.

Merc · 14-10-2010, 11:33 PM

Just in response to above; am in Canada as well and that has never happened with any of my admissions. I suppose it differs province to province.
Have to agree with Linda, most dont see it as anything to be worried about...until it gets dangerous/potentially life-threatening...
I think it was merely a 'scare tactic'. have to agree with looking for a different T.