introduction (read this first)

everything in this course takes a gentle, slow approach. the journey to healing requires patience, self-compassion, and trust in the process. if you begin to feel suicidal at any point, or if your urges to self-harm overwhelm you, please call 988 or 911 and get the help you need.

every lesson will start with a grounding technique. some will include a visualization. all of the exercises are optional, and you can pick and choose which ones you want to try first. or you can go in order if you’d like to be methodical. you get to choose your own pace. i recommend that you get a special journal and pen just for this work.

this first lesson starts with a grounding technique, and three easy exercises. you’ll need to start building a safe place inside, because that’s where you’ll be doing your work. you’ll get used to using a pen and pencils, to drawing what you feel, to expressing yourself in non-harming ways.

this lesson also explains why i chose art-making to heal from self-harm. cutting is like a voice on the skin. we need to find some other way to speak.

you don't have to be an artist to do any of these exercises. if you can hold a pen or pencil, and put it to paper, you're good. if you are an artist, you might discover something new about yourself by trying something new. my book includes some advanced techniques for practicing artists, so if that interests you, i encourage you to check out the end of each chapter. in this course, we’ll be focusing on exercises that anyone can do.

over time, by choosing creativity over self-harm, you’ll learn new ways of venting those overwhelming feelings and urges. these are my goals for you in this course: you’ll gather tools that will sustain you over the long haul. you’ll find deeper healing, transformation, and even self-love. all of this work actually re-wires the brain—which means you won’t have to reach for those old habits anymore. it's a long, slow process. it requires faith, hope, love, and grace.

one thing i know for sure: it is possible to recover from self-harming. i’ve done it, others have done it. if you stick with the journey, eventually you’ll get to your destination.

this journey is not just about stopping self-harm. it’s actually about finding wholeness. it’s the most important work you’ll ever do.

at the end of each lesson, you’ll get some writing prompts: questions to get you thinking about what you’re experiencing. when we’re in the midst of self-harming, we often feel chaotic and disjointed. journaling what we’re going through helps to organize our thoughts. sharing it with our therapist or guide will help even more.

so let's get started!

For You

Overview