Is This Sexual Harassment or Am I Overreacting?

Sexual harassment at work is not always obvious, and that is why so many people ask themselves, “Am I overreacting?” In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by psychotherapist Deirdre Arato and employment discrimination attorney Melissa Vo to break down the subtle signs of sexual harassment, from comments that linger too long to unwanted touch, grooming, boundary testing, and behavior that makes you question your own reality. If something feels off at work but you keep telling yourself it is probably nothing, this conversation will help you understand what your discomfort may be trying to tell you.Christina Phillips, Deirdre Arato, and Melissa Vo unpack how subtle sexual harassment can affect your confidence, mental health, work performance, and career path before there is ever one “big” incident. Through workplace scenarios involving hovering coworkers, lingering hugs, senior colleagues with career power, fear of blacklisting, and pressure to stay silent, this episode explains what to watch for, when to seek support, and how legal and therapeutic guidance can help you protect yourself.What you’ll learn:How subtle sexual harassment can start with small boundary violationsWhy asking “am I overreacting?” can be a sign something is wrongHow changing your behavior at work can signal a hostile environmentWhy grooming often escalates slowly over timeWhat to do when comments, touch, or pressure continue after you set a boundaryDon’t dismiss your own discomfort because nothing “big” has happened yet. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, trust your body, protect your boundaries, and understand your options before subtle harassment becomes something harder to escape.Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.comFor additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org