Therapy for Bullying

Clinically Reviewed By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.

What are the different types of bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior defined by a power imbalance, such as in physical size, popularity, levels of intelligence or abilities, or in some cases, the privileged knowledge of something that the person being bullied finds embarrassing. It's more common among kids and teens, but adults can be bullies or experience bullying as well. 

The repetitive nature of bullying means it may have especially harmful, long lasting effects on the mental and physical effects on the person receiving it. Several factors break bullying behavior down into different categories.

Verbal bullying

Verbal bullying includes spoken or written words to insult, intimidate, or make someone feel bad or less than equal. Examples include name-calling, making threats, teasing, taunting, or making inappropriate comments. 

It may include social bullying, which happens when a bully spreads rumors, intentionally excludes someone, or instructs others to ignore or ostracize the individual being bullied. This may have profound effects on mental health and self-esteem over time. 

Physical bullying

Physical bullying involves causing physical harm to a person’s body or possessions by hitting, kicking, pushing, or engaging in other violent or aggressive behavior. Rude or inappropriate hand gestures are considered bullying, as well as intentionally breaking or damaging someone’s things. 

While it's better known among children, this behavior may occur at any age. Workplace bullying is a common form of physical bullying in adults.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying occurs online over electronic devices. When bullying occurs online, it may follow the individual outside of physical spaces, and it may be especially damaging mentally and emotionally. 

Cyberbullies post or send harmful videos, photos, or messages in order to humiliate or intimidate their target. These bullies are less likely to be caught than physical bullies.

How does bullying affect your mental health?

Short-term effects of bullying include:

• Depression

• Loneliness

• Feelings of distress

• Intense fear 

Long-term effects include:

• Prolonged depression and anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Headaches and stomachaches

• Increase in risky behaviors or dangerous thoughts

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Suicidal ideation or self-harm (for help and resources, visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center)

It’s important to note that both the individual being bullied and the individual engaging in bullying behavior may experience mental health challenges,and recognizing warning signs early may be beneficial. In fact, mental health issues such as trauma, low self-esteem, or poor social skills may be the reason for an individual's bullying behavior.

Both those who have experienced bullying and those who have bullied others might benefit from working with a licensed therapist through online or in-person therapy, such as specialized therapy for bullying at BetterHelp.

How can therapy help with bullying?

Those who have experienced bullying, witnessed it, or engaged in bullying behavior may find that online therapy may be a helpful way to address and work through related challenges. Bullying might be extremely damaging to mental health. Seeking out assistance from a mental health professional to address bullying and its effects may lighten an individual's mental load and help cope with feelings and feel emotionally supported.

Mental health professionals aim to guide individuals of bullying to understand that this unwanted, aggressive behavior is not their fault. During therapy for bullying, a therapist will also help the individual regain confidence, build their resiliency, and start to feel like themselves again.

What to expect from a therapist

Having the right support system may make a difference, but individuals may also find that having a therapist in therapy for bullying who may be counted on is beneficial. 

Therapists may use different tools for dealing with bullying, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This may help individuals of bullying change negative thoughts, such as self-blame or feelings of worthlessness, while also building coping skills and coping mechanisms. Adjusting negative thought patterns may help boost self-esteem and self-worth, while also supporting the development of healthy boundaries and social skills, including navigating challenging social situations.

Other forms of therapy that may help those who have experienced bullying include:

• Art therapy

• Talk therapy

• Group therapy/support groups

• Social skills training

Therapy may also play a role in bullying prevention, especially in kids and teens. All of these types of therapy may help people who exhibit bullying or aggressive behavior learn healthier ways to process emotions, interact with others, and cope with trauma or difficult feelings, supporting positive change in behavior and emotional well-being.

Though people bully for many reasons, research shows that things like difficult life experiences and subconscious personality traits may be common factors. Learning how to deal with difficult situations and emotions in healthy ways might help prevent and stop bullying before it even happens.

Online therapy as an accessible option

Online therapy like BetterHelp provides quality, accessible care for all kinds of reasons, including individual therapy for bullying. Those who have experienced bullying may find the online approach safer, as it's more anonymous and may be done from the comfort of a safe place. 

BetterHelp uses a unique matching process to place clients with appropriate therapists. Once matched, users may connect with their licensed therapist by video, phone, or in-app messaging from wherever they are. Rather than waiting for the next session, users may send a message to their therapist at any time, and the therapist will respond as soon as they can.

For those who have experienced bullying and are looking for support, or those who recognize bullying tendencies in their own behavior, help may be available. Get matched with a licensed therapist through BetterHelp.

FAQs

Can therapy help adults who experienced bullying as children?

Therapy may help adults process unresolved trauma from childhood bullying and rebuild self-esteem.

Is online therapy effective for bullying-related mental health concerns?

Yes, research supports online therapy as effective for anxiety, depression, and trauma that may result from bullying.

Can someone who has bullied others benefit from therapy?

Mental health professionals might help individuals understand and address bullying behavior at its root.

Does BetterHelp offer therapy for workplace bullying?

Yes, BetterHelp therapists can support adults dealing with workplace bullying and its effects on mental health.

Do I need a formal diagnosis to seek therapy for bullying?

No, individuals do not need a diagnosis to start therapy. Experiencing distress from bullying may be a  reason enough to seek support.