Bullying Help in South Africa | Dr. Leonora de Villiers

Have you ever felt your stomach knot up just thinking about seeing a certain person?
Have you found yourself avoiding places, people, or situations because of how someone treats you?
Maybe it’s the cruel comments, the stares, the whispers behind your back… or even messages that pop up on your phone late at night.

If this feels uncomfortably familiar, you might be experiencing bullying.
And here’s the thing—bullying is not “just part of life.” It’s not something you should “get over” or “toughen up” to face. It is an abuse of power that can deeply affect your self-esteem, relationships, and emotional health.

As an educational and counselling psychologist in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, I see it every week in my practice—children, teens, and adults carrying the weight of bullying. Sometimes it started in the school playground, sometimes at university, and other times in the workplace. Left unaddressed, its effects can last for years, sometimes showing up later as anxiety, depression, or even symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSD).

What Bullying Really Looks Like

Bullying is not always obvious. It can take many forms:

• Verbal bullying – gossip, insults, threats, or relentless teasing
• Physical bullying – pushing, hitting, or damaging your belongings
• Social bullying – being deliberately excluded or isolated
• Psychological bullying – intimidation, humiliation, or manipulation
• Cyberbullying – cruel messages, fake profiles, or humiliating photos posted without consent

Technology has made it even easier for bullies to hide behind screens, striking from a distance without facing their victim. And for the person on the receiving end, the impact can be devastating.

Why Do People Bully?

Bullies often act out of insecurity, jealousy, or a need for control. Sometimes they are struggling with their own issues and take it out on others. But whatever the reason—it is never your fault.

You Can Break Free

Being bullied can make you feel powerless, hopeless, or like you’re losing control of your life. You might even start believing the negative things being said about you. But this is not a life sentence.

With the right support, you can:

• Build the confidence to stand up for yourself
• Learn strategies to protect yourself emotionally and socially
• Safeguard yourself from cyberbullying and online harassment
• Rebuild your self-esteem so bullies lose their power over you

This is the work I do every day with my clients—helping them move from fear and hurt toward strength, resilience, and freedom. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, and you don’t have to keep carrying the weight of someone else’s cruelty.

If you or your child are experiencing bullying—whether at school, online, or in the workplace—reach out today.

Let’s work together to give you the tools to reclaim your confidence and protect your emotional well-being.