Bullying and cyberbullying are forms of violence that you should never have to suffer. It's not your fault, you didn't ask for it, and you don't have to endure it alone. Whether in the schoolyard, the locker room, on social media, or in a WhatsApp group, harassment leaves wounds that can heal with the right support. Seeking help isn't being weak, it's an act of courage and care toward yourself. There are tools, strategies, and people prepared to accompany you to get out of this situation and recover your peace.
PSYCHOLOGY FOR SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Bullying is aggressive and deliberate behavior that repeats over time, where there's a power imbalance between who bullies and who receives the bullying. It can be physical (pushing, hitting), verbal (insults, mockery, threats), relational (exclusion, rumors, isolation), or cyberbullying (harassment through digital means: social media, messages, emails). Cyberbullying has unique characteristics: it reaches everywhere (it doesn't end when you leave school), can be anonymous, and has a much wider reach (one comment can be seen by hundreds of people).
Harassment has serious consequences for mental health: anxiety, depression, sleep problems, school difficulties, social isolation, and in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. The wounds aren't just physical, but emotional: fear, shame, guilt, loss of self-esteem, and sense of not having control over your own life. The effects can last years if not treated. Seeking professional help is crucial to process the experience, rebuild self-esteem, and learn strategies to protect yourself and respond.
We offer a safe and confidential space where you can explain what you're experiencing without fear or shame. We use evidence-based approaches to treat the emotional consequences of bullying, rebuild self-esteem, and develop strategies to respond (when it's possible and safe). We work in coordination with families and schools when needed, always respecting your voice and your needs. You're not alone in this, and together we can find a way out.
Process the experience and associated emotions
Harassment generates intense emotions: fear, anger, shame, guilt, sadness. In therapy you have a safe space to express these emotions, understand what you've lived through, and process it so it doesn't continue hurting you. It's not about forgetting, but about healing the wounds.
Rebuild damaged self-esteem
Harassment often leaves a deep wound in self-esteem: you can come to believe what they say, feel inferior, or think you asked for it. We work on dismantling these beliefs, recognizing your strengths, and rebuilding an image of yourself based on reality, not on what others say.
Develop response and protection strategies
Learn specific strategies to respond to bullying when it's possible and safe: ignoring, deactivating, asking for help, responding with assertiveness. We also work on protecting yourself emotionally: not letting others' words define who you are, and developing resilience against aggressions.
Coordinate with school and family when needed
If the situation requires it, we work with you to communicate it to the appropriate people (parents, teachers, coexistence team) effectively. We accompany you in this process, we never force you to do anything you don't want to, but we help you evaluate options and possible consequences.
Recover confidence and social relationships
Bullying can make you lose confidence in people and close yourself off socially. We work on gradually recovering confidence, relating again with security, and building healthy friendships and connections. Harassment doesn't have to define your future relationships.
"I was being bullied on social media and didn't know how to get out. I was afraid to say anything because I thought it would be worse. The therapist helped me find a way to stop it without putting myself in danger. Now I'm better and I've started trusting people again."
Anonymous, 16
"I felt inferior and thought I had asked for it by being different. Therapy helped me understand it wasn't my fault and rebuild the self-esteem they had broken. I still have the memories, but they don't hurt anymore."
Anonymous, 18
There are people prepared to accompany you out of this situation.
Yes, verbal bullying (insults, mockery, threats) and relational bullying (exclusion, rumors, isolation) are forms of harassment as damaging as physical, sometimes more. Words hurt, and social exclusion can be devastating. Don't minimize what you're going through because there are no physical blows. Any form of harassment deserves attention and support.
This is a very understandable and common fear. Talking to professionals is confidential, and we can evaluate together what the best strategies are to stop the harassment without putting you at risk. It's not always necessary to report immediately; sometimes we first work on response strategies and emotional protection. You decide the steps.
No, it's not true. No one asks to be harassed. Harassment is the responsibility of who harasses, not who receives the harassment. People who harass look for excuses (the way you dress, talk, are), but they're just that: excuses. It's not your fault, you don't have to change who you are to avoid harassment.
Confidentiality is a pillar of therapy. What you share in the session is private, with legal exceptions (imminent risk of serious harm to you or others). We can work together on strategies to manage the situation and evaluate if and how to involve your parents when you feel ready.