Bullying and Mental Health with Rissa Hughes, LPC

Being bullied can be a traumatic event and may potentially lead
to mental health struggles. Joining us today is to talk about
this issue is Merrissa Hughes, a Licensed Professional Counselor,
a Licensed School Counselor, and a former teacher. Combining her
classroom experience with her counseling training, Rissa has a
deep understanding of the impacts of bullying. This in this
episode, we define bullying and explore the different forms it
can take. Rather than being a once-off occurrence, bullying is
unwanted aggressive behavior with a real or perceived power
imbalance. We also hear about some of the effects that being
bullied can have. From depression to anxiety to withdrawal, Rissa
alerts us to signs to look out for if we suspect a child is being
bullied. As parents or teachers, it’s natural to want to
intervene in these situations, but in most instances, this is not
recommended. A child or teenager who is being bullied has been
disempowered, so they must be re-empowered, once again, through
gaining their own coping mechanisms. Rather than being told how
to deal with the bully, Rissa suggests that parents and
counselors help children find ways that resonate with them. Along
with this, we also cover other ways parents can be there for
their bullied children, the importance of stepping back at the
right time, and Rissa’s own story of hope. Be sure to tune in
today!





Key Points From This Episode:


Hear more about Rissa’s background and her journey to
becoming an LPC.

The incredible story of how Rissa met Brené Brown at a nail
salon.

Differentiating between meanness, rudeness, and bullying.

Types of bullying including verbal, social, and physical and
their characteristic features.

Common mental health effects Rissa sees in children who have
been bullied.

The importance of being proactive with children’s mental
health rather than dismissing it.

How EMDR can be used to work through the trauma of being
bullied.

If you suspect a child is being bullied, connect with them,
and let them know you are there.

Rissa’s approach to reframing the cognitive distortions that
occur as a result of bullying.

How Rissa empowers her clients to find coping mechanisms that
resonate with them.

Even though it’s difficult, parents must give their children
room to figure things out.

Signs parents should look out for to know when to bring in
professional help

When parents or counselors should intervene and contact the
school.

The role parents play in their children's healing journey.

Rissa’s tips for when a parent is the one instigating the
bullying.

How to deal with bullying in a church setting, which is
supposed to be a safe space.

More tips from Rissa on how parents can be there for their
children who are being bullied.

A final story of hope from where Rissa shares her own story
of being bullied.






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Merrissa Hughes


Brené Brown


Dare to Lead


Texas A&M University


The Call to Courage


Is It Rude, Is It Mean, Or Is It Bullying?


EMDR Institute


The Gottman Method


Mosaics of Mercy