Overview

As there is minimal evidence-based therapy for bullied targets worldwide, (Idsoe 2021) the goal is to provide therapists with a simple tool to use in their therapy practice or to offer as homework for targets, parents and teachers. 

Current evidence indicates that bullying and rejection /ostracism causes epigenetic damage to a child’s brain, when left untreated. The target’s past or present experience of being bullied, humiliated or ostracised, projects them into fight/flight/freeze mode, thereby activating the primitive, emotional part of their brain. They react by becoming fearful, angry or paralysed, and consequently threaten the bully, who retaliates. 

Just like dealing with animals, when targets learn how to remain calm and respond in a neutral manner, by utilizing their pre-frontal cortex or the cognitive part of their brain, they can block or diminish the attack, and thereby gain respect from others. Thus, unlike other bullying theories, the Bully Blocking model is based upon on managing the fight/flight freeze survival instinct in a constructive manner.

Note:

In this webinar, a bully blocking model will be discussed which is also linked to a story book the presenter has authored 'Harry the Bully blocker'. This story utilises the role that animals play in showing humans how to socially connect and care for others.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. 

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• discover why school bullying can be a traumatic health hazard,

• explore the current evidence for helping the bullied student,

• develop an assessment, diagnosis and treatment model for bullied students, and  

• learn how to use the Bully blocking model as a therapy tool.

Presenter(s)

Evelyn Field OAM, FAPS

About the presenter(s)

Evelyn Field OAM, FAPS is a practising psychologist, professional speaker, bestselling author, media commentator for over 45 years, and Fellow of the APS. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her school and workplace bullying initiatives.
Evelyn wrote two bestselling books, Bully Busting and Bully Blocking, Bully Blocking at Work and Strategies for Surviving Bullying at Work. Harry the Bully Blocker the unique, therapy poem will be released April 2022.
Evelyn presented full-day workshops for the APS, the British Psychological Society (2017), First Southeast Asia Regional Conference of Psychology (2017), and Israel Psychological Association (2018). She convened the Therapist Special Interest Group, (IAWBH) instigating four international workshops on treatment for bullied targets.
She presented ‘School Bullying Trauma, an Overview’ for the ACF Conference (2016) and APS Congress (2016). She is lead author of the unique chapter ‘Diagnosis and Treatment’ in the Handbook of Workplace Bullying, Emotional Abuse and Harassment, (Springer, 2021). Her chapter on “Hints for Counsellors” in her updated school bullying book will constitute a unique endeavour.