Bullying
NorthPoint Bullying counseling is designed to help your child establish healthy support networks in order to tell what has happened to them and to talk about their feelings. You and your child will learn how to protect him/her from continued bullying. NorthPoint counselors will work with parents, school, and (through the school, coach, or other situation) with peers, to help the young person be less isolated and more connected with peers. NorthPoint will help him/her find effective ways to be safe. Counseling will help identify advocates and resources in the environment. We will help your child accept the probable benefits of using these allies. Your child will gain assistance from peers in feeling that they belong; gain assistance in not blaming themselves for the bullying. Your child may also receive support with post-traumatic stress symptoms even after the bullying has been stopped-if needed.
Bullying is one of the biggest issues facing school-aged children today. What generations past have coined as "growing pains" or "kids being kids" has escalated into sometimes long term psychological and social damage to the individual. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis.
What is Bullying Counseling?
Bullying has been defined as abusive behavior by one or more students against a victim or victims. It can be a direct attack -- teasing, taunting, threatening, stalking, name-calling, hitting, making threats, coercion, and stealing -- or more subtle through malicious gossiping, spreading rumors, and intentional exclusion. Both result in victims becoming socially rejected and isolated.
NorthPoint Professional Counseling offers in helping your child find a way to effectively deal with bullying. We will discuss what is happening, how the situation can be avoided, ways to handle the bullying when the situation cannot be avoided, and other effective ways and suggestions on what to do about the bullying specifically. Concurrently, we will work with your child to improve his or her self-esteem and sense of self-worth through therapy and various activities.
When should you seek Bullying Counseling?
Listed below are some signs to look for in the detection of bullying. If any of these signs apply to your child you we urge you to call NorthPoint Professional Counseling.
- Visible bruises/injuries
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable
- Moodiness/Easily upset
- Avoiding certain situations (i.e. taking the bus to school, missing a certain class)
Bullying counseling can be extremely beneficial:
- It will decrease self-defeating thoughts that can be detrimental later in life
- Teach children how to handle difficult situations
- Shows children that this is something to be taken seriously and people can be trusted to help
- Promote self-esteem and self-worth
- Build confidence
Please be aware that there are supports groups available, and if you are interested in supporting others, as well as gaining support, please request that you be placed in a support group. These groups can be the key factor in helping you overcome the effects of Bullying.
Bullying should not be taken lightly, and fortunately there is help. Please contact any one of our NorthPoint Professional Counselors, and let us help you and your loved ones move beyond these issues, and into a more positive lifestyle.