Thinking of counselling? Here are 5 things to know.

These days it seems that everyone is talking about the mental health benefits of seeing a therapist or clinical counsellor. Yet, for many of us, once we start hearing about all the potential good that therapy or counselling can do for others, we begin to come up with all sorts of excuses for why it won’t work for us.

Maybe we think we don’t need to get all touchy-feely about our emotions. Maybe we think no one will really understand what we’re going through. Maybe we think that simply talking about our problems won’t do anything to actually help fix them. Or maybe we’re just worried about the cost—to our cash flow, to our time, to our personal lives, or to our career. Sure, these worries might be understandable, but they also demonstrate a significant misunderstanding about what counselling is, and what it can do.

The fact is, whether you’re struggling with drugs, alcohol, or related mental health issues like anxiety or depression, counselling can help, either in person or online. If you or a loved one work in the unionized trades or technical industries and you’ve been thinking about counselling, here are five key things you should know.

1. It’s FREE for workers and their families
Our individualized treatment programs and services (which include 1-on-1 clinical counselling) are free at point-of-care for our members and their families thanks to the support of the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC (CLR) and BC Building Trades.

2. It’s 100% confidential
Though we’re founded and funded by unions and contractors, we operate independently. Our services are 100% private and confidential.

3. You control the conversation
You’ll never be pressured to talk about painful or traumatic experiences. Counselling begins with learning how to contain painful emotions, which includes NOT talking about these kinds of issues unless it’s in a safe and therapeutic way.

4. Counselling is about skill building
Many people mistakenly think that counselling is simply talking about their problems, but it’s so much more. Counselling will teach you a variety of skills and techniques you can use to prevent, reduce and repair the harm of painful memories, and build back stronger.

5. We understand the struggle
Built for, and by, the unionized trades and technical industries, BuildStrong is informed by over 45 years of life-saving work, and guided by industry veterans and clinical experts. We know the unique challenges you’re facing because we’ve seen them first-hand.

Bonus! It just takes a phone call to get started
You’re not alone. Free*, private help is here. You just need to reach out, and you could begin your individualized treatment plan in as little as 7 working days.

Give us a call at 1.888.521.8611 to get started.