Building strength from within: How Children can Heal from Bullying with CBT
Children are remarkably resilient, but even the strongest hearts can be deeply hurt by bullying. When painful experiences lead to self-doubt or fear, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can guide children back toward confidence, calm, and connection.
How Bullying Affects Self Esteem
Bullying can change the way a child sees themselves and the world. It often leads to harsh self-talk like, “I can’t do anything right,” or “People will always pick on me.” if left unaddressed, these negative beliefs can impact a child’s confidence, friendships, and even school performance.
CBT can help children recognize and break these patterns. It teaches them how thoughts influence emotions and behaviours. Instead of focusing only on what happened, CBT focuses on what can change, empowering children to rewrite the inner stories that bullying may have created.
How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Works in Sessions
For example, a child who believes “No one wants to be my friend” might withdraw from social activities, reinforcing loneliness. Through therapy, they learn to test that belief by noticing real-life evidence, like “Some people do enjoy being around me.” From there, the therapist helps them plan small steps forward, like saying hello to a classmate or joining a group activity.
These gradual moments build confidence and self-esteem, showing children that change happens one step at a time.
CBT also equips children with coping tools to manage anxiety and stress, such as:
Grounding and breathing exercises
Relaxation techniques
Problem-solving strategies
How Caregivers Can Use CBT Techniques to Foster Coping Skills
Parents and caregivers play an important role in reinforcing these changes. When families practice CBT strategies together using positive self-talk, setting achievable goals, and celebrating progress they help children internalize these new coping skills. Over time, this causes children to become more self-assured, compassionate toward themselves, and hopeful about the future.
With the help of our professional psychotherapists, CBT helps children understand that while they cannot control others’ behaviour, they can choose how to respond, how to seek support, and how to believe in their own worth. That shift from helplessness to empowerment is where true healing happens.
Book A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Session for Your Child Today
If your child is struggling to rebuild confidence after bullying, therapy can help them foster healthy coping skills, rediscover strength, and self-compassion. At Healing Voices Psychotherapy, we offer virtual CBT sessions that support children and families in navigating these experiences with care and expertise.
Contact us to book a free 15-minute consultation today and take the next step toward helping your child heal, grow, and thrive with renewed confidence.
