Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Workplace bullying is when someone is repeatedly treated unreasonably at work in a way that causes harm — things like being yelled at, excluded, humiliated, or given impossible tasks on purpose. It’s not just a bad day or fair feedback from a manager — bullying is ongoing and can really affect someone’s mental and physical health. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone, and it’s OK to ask for help. There is support for workplace bullying, including speaking to your manager, HR, or a mental health professional. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at work.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not being too sensitive — these are valid signs, and there is support for workplace bullying. Reaching out early can make a big difference.
Feeling anxious or dreading going to work
Being left out of team activities or important communications
Regularly being criticised, belittled, or humiliated — especially in front of others
Having your work constantly undermined or dismissed without reason
Being given tasks that are clearly unmanageable or set up to fail
Gossip, rumours, or personal attacks behind your back
Feeling isolated, withdrawn, or losing confidence in your abilities
Almost 1 in 10 Australian workers experience workplace bullying each year
Bullying can cause serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression
Employers in Australia must legally prevent and manage bullying
Online bullying at work is rising with remote and hybrid roles
Workplace bullying is more than just unpleasant behaviour — it’s a serious issue with well-documented effects on mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It doesn’t just stop when someone clocks off — the emotional toll can carry over into home life, relationships, and future work experiences.
In Australia, nearly 1 in 10 workers report being bullied each year. And those already under stress or dealing with mental health challenges are unfortunately more likely to be targeted, making it even more important that workplaces and individuals are equipped with effective ways to respond.
So what does the research tell us about how to prevent and respond to bullying at work? Here are some of the most effective strategies backed by studies and expert guidelines:
One of the most powerful protective factors is having clear, zero-tolerance policies that are consistently applied. But it’s not enough to have these policies tucked away in a handbook — they need to be actively communicated, understood by everyone, and supported by leadership. A healthy workplace culture where respect and inclusion are the norm makes it much harder for bullying to take root.
Prevention works best when everyone’s involved. Conflict resolution training, respectful communication workshops, and bystander training (which empowers staff to speak up safely when they witness bullying) have been shown to shift attitudes and reduce passive acceptance of poor behaviour. Some workplaces also use cognitive rehearsal, which helps people practise assertive responses to bullying scenarios — a confidence-building skill supported by evidence.
This is where psychotherapy plays a crucial role. Research shows that targeted mental health support can be one of the most effective ways for individuals to cope with the impact of bullying. Working with a psychologist provides a safe, confidential space to process what’s happened, develop coping strategies, rebuild confidence, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in particular has been shown to help reduce anxiety, depression and post-traumatic symptoms related to workplace bullying. For many people, simply being validated — having someone say “what happened to you wasn’t okay” — is a turning point in recovery.
If bullying has affected your mental health or sense of self, talking to a registered psychologist can make a real difference.
Research is clear: the most effective support for workplace bullying combines prevention, early response, and professional psychological support. It’s not just about stopping the behaviour — it’s about helping people heal and feel safe again.
Workplaces that take a proactive, compassionate approach tend to have better team dynamics, lower staff turnover, and higher wellbeing overall. And for individuals, reaching out early — whether to a manager, HR, or a psychologist — can prevent things from getting worse and lead to real, lasting change.
*Source: Insights into workplace bullying: psychosocial drivers and effective interventions – National Library of Medicine | PubMed Central
Start documenting what’s happening — dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses. It might feel like overkill, but it helps to have clear notes if you need to raise it later.
Don’t keep it to yourself. Whether it’s a colleague, supervisor, union rep, or friend — opening up can help you feel less alone and get practical advice.
If it's safe, try setting calm and firm boundaries. Phrases like “I’m not comfortable with that” or “Let’s keep this professional” can send a clear signal.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Assertiveness Training, and Stress Management Techniques, to provide tailored support for individuals experiencing workplace bullying, helping them build confidence, develop coping strategies, and protect their mental well-being.
Our Psychologists are highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. They
use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with
other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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