This article was written in partnership with Calgary Counselling Society.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health issue. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths around counselling often discourage people from getting help.
Here are three common myths about counselling and a more realistic version of what you can expect from the counselling experience.
Myth 1: counselling takes a long time and it’s expensive
The length of time or number of sessions needed with a counsellor will vary depending on each person and case. Some of the factors that affect the length of time required are:
- How long you’ve been dealing with the issue
- The severity of the problem
- The time you need to make any necessary changes (i.e. habits, coping mechanisms, etc.)
At Calgary Counselling Centre, our clients see positive changes within an average of eight to ten counselling sessions. Although for some people it may take longer, counselling doesn’t have to take years.
We believe everyone should have access to the best counselling services. For that reason, our fees are on a sliding scale — that means costs are based on your income and ability to pay. No one is turned away.
Myth 2: counselling doesn’t work
The biggest reason people don’t go to counselling is that they don’t think it will work. Although counselling can’t change the past or erase the events you’ve been through, it can arm you with the tools to overcome the many life challenges you’ll inevitably face in life.
There is a lot of work that takes place in counselling. You learn how to identify and express your thoughts and feelings, and you learn problem-solving skills and how to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Counselling won’t protect you from ever facing adversity, but it will give you the tools and skills to overcome it.
Because we monitor our client’s progress and adjust treatment as needed, we know our clients experience the highest results in the field. They are proof that counselling works.
Myth 3: counselling is only for major issues
Yes, counselling can help you through major life issues and traumas, but those aren’t the only situations where it can be beneficial. Sometimes we need to talk to an unbiased professional that can help us gain clarity and perspective.
Just as we see a doctor for prevention or when we’re not feeling well, the same applies for counselling. The sooner we tackle an issue, the easier it is to solve it. The tools, strategies and skills you’ll develop through counselling will help you with the challenges you may face in the future.
Counselling can help anyone with mental health concerns, social issues and personal development. It doesn’t have to take long, and at Calgary Counselling Centre, we make sure it is accessible to everyone. We don’t have a waitlist, and there is no financial barrier.
If you’d like to learn more about our counselling services, visit our website.
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Alberta Blue Cross® is a proud supporter of the work of the Calgary Counselling Centre. Alberta Blue Cross® empowers people to live their best life by providing health and wellness plans, programs and services on a not-for-profit basis for the financial protection and well-being of our communities.
Hi , My question ، Alberta Blue Cross Does it help poor families whose income is low and who want to work as a child with tubes that cost ten thousand dollars and they do not have this amount can you help them? Thanks
Hello Majdi, we recommend visiting or contacting Alberta Health here https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-child-health-benefit.aspx to learn about the Alberta Child Health Benefit.
As it’s my first time using Blue Cross I can’t comment