I just found out that my daughter is a cutter, she is in counseling this summer and had to write my husband and myself a letter telling us this information.

How do I help her? How do I not over react? How do we know if she has the right counselor? She is only seeing a counselor not a doctor?

I knew she had low self-esteem but I had no idea that she was cutting herself, I had never seen it.

I have no idea where to turn are there help groups for parents to get advice etc.

I feel so helpless but must be strong for her.

At this point you need *information*. Information about what a cutter child needs from her parents.

I would say you and your husband go to a therapist in order to get the best information possible so you can best deal with this situation.

Best wishes,

Why not call and talk to the couselor, ask them if she needs to see someone else. Also see if there is a couselor locally you can talk with that will help you deal with the issues also.

Here's some basic information from Wikipedia:

Self-injury - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-injury)

Mbell1960,

Tough time for you two parents.

But in my opinion, it is not a time that you are required to "be strong" for your daughter.
I think it is well for her to know you are very concerned and that you will be there with her through all that it takes for her to heal. Neither of you should, in my opinion, beat up on yourselves, not your husband either, but the entire family can rally together for the healing and growth that is needed.

You have received comments about counseling. That resource should help to identify issues that may be related to the cutting. You and your family, as suggested by the counselor, and the counselor can work on those issues.

Both you and your daughter seem to be headed in the right direction. She followed directions to talk to her parents. And her mom is reaching out for help. I, for one, am proud of you both!

Blessings for healing and growth.

Disclaimer: These comments are not provided for, nor are they intended for use as, professional therapy or counseling. Anyone implementing any ideas from this material assumes full responsibility for the results of doing so.