A Safe Space for Self Injury Support

Sarah Brecht is the Founder and Group Leader of A Safe Space for Self Injury Support, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by self-injury. With over 29 years of personal experience and 9 years as a group leader in a  S.A.F.E. Alternatives®  support group at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Sarah brings extensive lived experience and professional insight to her leadership role. Sarah holds certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is certified as a group leader in the NAMI Educational Programs: NAMI Hearts & Minds, NAMI Sharing Hope, and NAMI Ending the Silence. Her advocacy extends beyond her leadership, as she has volunteered with the Self Injury Foundation and mentored individuals at Running2bWell.Sarah is also the co-author of Beyond the Razors Edge and has produced a YouTube informational video on self-injury. Her expertise has been featured in multiple magazine articles and on Good Morning America. 

It is my honor to be writing on behalf of Sarah Brecht and I am so excited for her to be starting a self-injury group for teens. I have been fortunate enough to observe her growth over the last few years, while managing some complex stressors. Sarah has walked a similar path as some of the adolescents and teens coming to her group, giving her not only credibility, but also deep empathy. Her scars from self-injury tell a story that she has worked hard to have power over and this is something she wants to share with her group—the ability to re-author your stories and to find coping skills that work for each individual. Sarah is kind and is a hard worker. She is creative with a sense of silliness and sarcasm that is relatable to teens. She cares for others and goes above and beyond to make those around her feel validated and supported. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and giving back to teens in a way that is meaningful while also giving them tools to set them up for life. Safe Steps for Teens is a much needed service for the community and will provide a safe environment for those who struggle with self-injury to feel less alone and supported. 

Molly McDowell-Burns PhD, IMFT-S, LPCC-S, RPT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor

I have known Sarah for many years. She is dedicated to recovery, and has always been a strong advocate for those facing mental health challenges. She provides a safe place for individuals to discuss their struggles, and is trained in several of our NAMI National programs. Thank you Sarah for all that you do. 

Leslie Powlette Stoyer, Executive Director NAMI Summit County

When my daughter was 15, she went through some very difficult times. Depression and anxiety drove her to start self-injuring as a coping strategy. In spite of our efforts to keep her safe, her self-injury behaviors persisted. I sought information on how to help my daughter from a book called “Bodily Harm: The Breakthrough Healing Program” by Karen Contrerio and Wendy Lader, et al. The authors had developed a website, www.selfinjury.com for their organization  S.A.F.E. Alternatives® . On that site was a listing of support groups for those dealing with self-injury (and there were very few at that time). Sarah Brecht was leading a peer support group in Akron, OH, about 45 minutes from where we lived. Although my daughter was hesitant at first to try the group, she went and met Sarah. She recognized in Sarah a true understanding of what those who self-injure experience and Sarah’s heart of compassion to help others find freedom from the vicious cycle of self-injury. My daughter attended Sarah’s group for a couple years and learned many great coping skills and found understanding, compassion and hope among this group of peers. My daughter is now 30 and raising a daughter of her own. Life is hard, but what she experienced in Sarah’s group has stuck with her, helped her cope, take care of herself and demonstrate compassion to others who struggle with self-injury.

Amy, parent of a former group member

Sarah‘s non-judgmental and compassionate approach to recovery has helped me during some of the most difficult times in my life. I can truly say I wouldn’t be where or who I am without the skills, knowledge, and support she’s given me.

Tess, former group member