By jasminer (16, California)
Located in New York, Door of Hope 4 Teens is an organization created by Debra Cornaachia that sets out to aid teenagers that self-injure. Door of Hope 4 Teens utilizes Bible scripture and the Christian faith to help support the teens that struggle with self-harm. Door of Hope provides free email and phone support to those who struggle with self-harm. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month in at 7 P.M. at the Congregation of the Messiah, 26 Cameron Place, Tuckahoe, New York.
YouthNoise: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Door of Hope 4 Teens: Well, I live in NY and for the past 10 years I have worked as a Nursery School teacher and LOVE my job. I am a mother of 2 teenage sons one is in College and the other is in his sophomore year of High school. I have been happily married for 21 years. Oh, I also have two adorable Corgis, one is Coco and the other is Duncan. They are both 7 years old and my husband and I play with them and taking them for long walks. I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and presently pursuing a Biblical counseling degree form Light University.
YN: What is Door of Hope 4 Teens? Door of Hope 4 Teens: Door of Hope provides encouragement, solutions and support for teen girls ages 12-20 that are struggling with self-injury also known as cutting.
YN: What is Door of Hope’s mission?
Door of Hope 4 Teens: Our mission is to guide teens according to Gods word in areas that they are struggling. Self-injury robs girls of their self-esteem and only lead to more unhealthy coping mechanisms. Establishing a strong identity and gaining self worth from knowing that they are in Christ Jesus.
YN: What methods do you use to prevent future instances of self-injury with clients?
Door of Hope 4 Teens: Lots and lots of prayer. We pray specifically for each teen that contacts us and if they like we will pray with them. Our help line is open 7 days a week, and teens can contact us via phone or e-mail.
YN: Do you have any ideas about why some teens use self-injury?
Door of Hope 4 Teens: Self-injury has become widespread in the Christian and secular culture. Teens are actually punishing themselves each time they self-harm. Teens tell me they fell numb and cutting makes them feel more alive. Others say the experiencing the physical pain is much better then dealing with emotional pain. Such as depression or a broken heart. It may be as a result of past or present emotional or sexual abuse, it is not limited to just that. It may just be how they release anger, sadness, low self-esteem or other feelings that are difficult to express. Self-injury is an unhealthy coping mechanism and should always be taken seriously. Contrary to popular belief it is not attention that these teens are after. Many who self-injure will wear long sleeves, gloves or jewelry to cover up their scars.
YN: What is the healing process like?
Door of Hope: I wish I had a magic wand to wish away all the pain these girls are experiencing, but unfortunate there is no such tool. The road to recovery is a life changing process. Renewing of the mind is an excellent place to start. Memorizing scriptures, reading the Bible, being involved in a Church and youth group are all positive, healthy tools that should be used in recovery. Over time transformation and moving beyond their scars are all the work of God, for with him all things are possible.
YN: Do you provide follow-up action with those who call in?
Door of Hope: Yes, we always follow-up --- through e-mail or phone.
YN: What role does religion play in Door of Hope?
Door of Hope: Faith and knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior plays a big role in the recovery of teens who self-injure. Jesus is standing at the door and he is using me to just bring teens into HIS door of hope.
YN: What made you want to start Door of Hope 4 Teens?
Door of Hope: The Lord put Door of Hope 4 Teens on my heart. I have a burden for teens that intentionally inflict pain on their bodies. As a teen myself, I struggled with self-injury and had no one to talk with. Secrets, shame and guilt set in and begin to trap you. Opening a Door for teens who self-injure and having a safe haven for them to discover who the truly are in Christ brings much satisfaction and joy. We want them to know that through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God that they can overcome and live a victorious life in Christ.
YN: Is there anything important that we didn’t ask that you want to answer?
Door of Hope: Yes, there are many resources for teens to look into for help with self-injury. Many sites offer help, some are Christian others are not. They are worth looking into and seeing which ones feel comfortable with. On the links page of Door of Hope 4 Teens there are excellent resources and books, please email me any if you come across any sites that you find helpful.
• MyCauseIs... End Teen Depression and Suicide
• MyCauseIs... Suicide Prevention
• MyCauseIs... Cutting
