Understanding Bullying and Its Impact

Bullying can leave lasting emotional effects, whether experienced in childhood or adulthood. While our network of specialists in this area is growing, you can explore therapists who help clients process difficult experiences and rebuild confidence.

Start your search

Bullying involves repeated harmful behaviour intended to hurt, intimidate, or exclude someone. It can happen at school, in workplaces, online, or within social groups, and its effects often extend far beyond the immediate experience. Many people carry the emotional impact of bullying well into adulthood, experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, trust difficulties, or lingering shame.

Therapy can provide a safe space to process bullying experiences, understand their lasting effects, and develop strategies for healing. Whether you experienced bullying recently or are addressing wounds from the past, working with a therapist can help you rebuild confidence and move forward. On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and watch intro videos to find someone who understands the impact of bullying and can support your healing journey.

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Woodbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Melissa Servello

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$140/session
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Shannon Gagnon

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Shannon Gagnon

Shannon Gagnon

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$130/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behavioural Issues, Break-up recovery, Bullying, Caregivers, Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Family Conflict, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Building Self-Care Routines, Grief and Loss, Workplace stress, Trauma processing
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behavioural Issues, Break-up recovery, Bullying, Caregivers, Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Family Conflict, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Building Self-Care Routines, Grief and Loss, Workplace stress, Trauma processing
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Calgary, AB)
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Kate Newby

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
$130/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist
No results found. Your criteria may be too specific.
Search finds the closest match while filters exclude profiles that do not match your criteria. Try clearing your filters and using search to find a match.
We add therapists weekly. Sign up to receive updates.
Browse All Therapists
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
About First Session
What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour designed to harm, intimidate, or exclude someone who may have difficulty defending themselves. It can be physical, verbal, social, or online (cyberbullying). Bullying creates an imbalance of power and can have significant emotional and psychological effects on those who experience it.

What are the effects of bullying?

The effects of bullying can include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, trust issues, and difficulty forming relationships. Some people experience lasting effects that continue into adulthood, including post-traumatic symptoms, negative self-beliefs, or challenges in professional settings. The impact varies depending on the nature, duration, and support available.

How can therapy help with bullying?

Therapy can help you process the emotional impact of bullying, challenge negative beliefs about yourself that may have developed, and build coping strategies. Therapists can work with you on rebuilding self-esteem, developing assertiveness, healing from trauma, and navigating relationships after bullying experiences.

How do I find a therapist for bullying support?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, or childhood experiences. While our network of bullying specialists is growing, many therapists can support healing from difficult interpersonal experiences. Watch intro videos to find someone who feels right for you.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you've been affected by bullying, you might explore therapists who work with self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, social anxiety, or childhood experiences. These areas often overlap with the effects of bullying and can provide meaningful support.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support for your healing journey.