Bullying

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intended to cause harm or distress, occurs repeatedly over time and takes place in a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take many forms, including physical violence, taunting, intimidation and social exclusion.

Cutting and self-harm are often ways to express deep distress and cope with painful memories. Although you may want to stop, you may not know how to begin. Families By Design can help you understand why you self-harm, which is a vital first step toward your recovery.

It's important to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something that kids have to "tough out." The effects can be serious and affect your child’s sense of self-worth and future relationships. In severe cases, bullying has contributed to tragedies, such as school shootings and suicides.

Families By Design has the expertise to counsel both the bully and the victim. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if a child is a bully, based on actions in a variety of settings - such as school, home and after-school activities. We then work with the child to determine the underlying causes for the bullying and try to find the appropriate solutions. For victims of bullying, we provide effective strategies to deal with bullies. We also help victims restore their self-esteem and regain a sense of dignity.