Bullying at work isn’t always obvious
Being bullied at work by your boss can be an isolating and deeply stressful experience. It can happen in loud, obvious ways—or in subtle, almost invisible ones. You might be shouted at or publicly humiliated. Or you might find yourself left out of meetings, given unrealistic deadlines, or constantly criticised, no matter how hard you work. Sometimes the bullying is passive: being ignored, dismissed, or undermined quietly and consistently.
These experiences can be confusing. You might wonder, “Am I overreacting?” or “Is this just normal workplace pressure?” But if your boss' behaviour regularly leaves you feeling anxious, small, unsafe, or powerless, it's worth naming it for what it is: workplace bullying.
The emotional cost of workplace bullying
When bullying comes from someone in authority, it can touch deep emotional wounds, often rooted in early relationships and attachment patterns. You might notice feelings such as:
Shame or embarrassment.
Fear and hypervigilance.
Helplessness or hopelessness.
Self-doubt or a collapse in confidence.
Anger or resentment (which you may not feel safe to express)
You may start dreading going to work. You might ruminate about conversations or find yourself walking on eggshells. The stress can bleed into your personal relationships, affect your sleep, and make it hard to concentrate. Over time, it can erode your sense of identity.
How Gestalt therapy can help you
Gestalt therapy gently invites you to notice what you’re feeling in your body, in your thoughts, and in your relationships. When you work with a Gestalt counsellor, you’ll learn to:
Stay present with your emotional responses, instead of pushing them down or judging them.
Explore unfinished business: Often, workplace bullying reactivates old relational wounds. Healing these in therapy helps you feel more resourced and less triggered.
Reconnect to your sense of agency: In the middle of a power imbalance, Gestalt therapy helps you regain a sense of self-direction and inner clarity.
Feel supported in your choices, whether you decide to set boundaries, speak up, make a formal complaint, or leave the workplace altogether.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Practical steps to take if you’re being bullied by your boss
Keep a record: Document each incident: what was said or done, the time, date, and who was present. Keep this log private and safe.
Name it to yourself: Acknowledging that what’s happening is bullying is a powerful step. It’s not your fault. And you’re not too sensitive.
Seek support: Talk to someone you trust. That might be a colleague, a union rep, or a professional counsellor. Getting an external perspective helps break the isolation.
Understand your workplace policies: Review your workplace’s bullying and grievance procedures. You might need to raise the issue with HR or an external body, such as Fair Work Australia.
Practice boundaries: If it feels safe, calmly name when behaviour is not okay. For example: “I’d like to be spoken to respectfully in meetings.” You can explore how to do this in therapy.
Prioritise your wellbeing: Stress takes a toll. Make time for grounding activities that help you feel safe and supported—walking, journaling, breathwork, or being in nature.
What you can do if you witness workplace bullying
Don’t ignore it: Your silence may be felt as complicity.
Offer support: Ask the person privately if they’re okay. Let them know you believe them.
Document what you witness, especially if you’re willing to speak up.
Speak up if safe: In meetings or group settings, you might say, “That didn’t feel appropriate—can we discuss this respectfully?”
Encourage action: You can help the person seek HR support, make a complaint, or connect with counselling.
Being a witness can feel just as stressful. Gestalt counselling can support you too.
A gentle reminder
If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted or uncertain, please know that your experience matters. You are not being too sensitive. You are not imagining it. Bullying is real and damaging. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued in your workplace.
At Gestalt Encounters, we offer a space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without judgment. We walk with you as you find clarity, rebuild your strength, and reclaim your sense of self. Talk to us today.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash