Building Bridges Counselling Services

Building Bridges Counselling Services Counselling Through Connection

At Building Bridges:

•We strive to provide a one-stop-shop for families and all individual members.
•We benefit family units by serving individuals, couples and families.
•Clients are engaged in their own process of change.
•Our counsellors take a team approach to counselling, providing different perspectives and backgrounds to all clients.
•Counsellors acknowledge resiliency and work toward positive change.
•Our counsellors meet clients where they are at, and ensure clients remain the experts of their own experiences.
•Building Bridges operates on a sliding scale. Prices for sessions vary depending on individual circumstances.
•We are located in south west Calgary near Mount Royal University
For further information and to book with us, please visit our website at www.buildingbridgescounselling.ca

09/25/2025

Boundaries aren’t just for romantic partners.
They matter in friendships, families, co-parenting, q***r and poly relationships, everywhere love exists.

Here’s what healthy boundaries often sound like:

– “I’m not available for that right now.”
– “I need time to think before we talk.”
– “I’d love to hear how you’re feeling, too.”
– “This works for me. Can we find something that works for you, too?”

Boundaries protect connection — not just people.

09/24/2025

During Su***de Prevention Month, we honour those we’ve lost and remind anyone struggling: you are not alone, and support exists.

In Canada, you can now call or text 988 for su***de crisis help.

🌿 Turning “Going Home” Into Joy Instead of Obligation 🌿Visiting family can sometimes feel heavy—like we’re showing up ou...
09/23/2025

🌿 Turning “Going Home” Into Joy Instead of Obligation 🌿

Visiting family can sometimes feel heavy—like we’re showing up out of duty instead of desire. But you’re allowed to shape your visit in a way that fills you with joy, not just obligation.

Here are a few ways to shift the energy:

✨ Choose what lights you up: Plan at least one activity that feels fun or nourishing for you—a walk in nature, a favorite meal, or playing a game with your niece/nephew.

✨ Redefine connection: Connection doesn’t have to mean endless conversations or staying longer than you want. Sometimes presence, laughter, or a short coffee together is enough.

✨ Release the “shoulds”: You don’t have to attend every dinner, mediate every argument, or stay until you’re exhausted. It’s okay to let go of family obligations that drain you.

✨ Bring your current self: You’ve grown since the last visit. Ground yourself in who you are now instead of slipping back into old roles.

✨ Anchor joy: Notice the small moments—sharing stories, hugs, or even a quiet pause. These little things can bring more fulfillment than pushing through out of duty.

💡 When you visit with joy as your compass, home becomes a place of choice, not pressure.

09/22/2025

School closures and strikes can place unexpected stress on parents. Balancing work, childcare, and the emotional needs of children can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anxious, stretched thin, or uncertain about how to manage this transition.

Here are some tips to help families cope during this time:

✔️ Create a routine – Even if school is paused, maintaining structure helps children (and parents) feel grounded.

✔️ Lean on your community – Connect with other families to share childcare, activities, or simply support each other.

✔️ Use available resources – Look into local community centres, libraries, or online educational tools to keep kids engaged.

✔️ Prioritize self-care – Parents can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking breaks, resting, and asking for help are all important.

✔️ Talk openly with your children – Acknowledge their feelings, validate their worries, and reassure them that this is temporary.

Transitions like this can be tough, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reaching out for support—whether from friends, community groups, or mental health professionals—can make a big difference.

09/21/2025

Feeling “Behind” in Your 20s.

It can feel overwhelming when you look around and see others starting careers, relationships, or big life milestones—while you’re still figuring things out. Remember: there is no universal timeline. Everyone’s journey looks different, and comparing yourself only steals your peace.

✨ Practicing Self-Acceptance

• Shift perspective: Instead of focusing on what you “haven’t done,” notice the strengths and growth you have gained.

• Limit comparisons: Social media shows highlights, not the full story.

• Practice kindness: Speak to yourself the way you would to a close friend.

• Stay curious: Your 20s are for learning, exploring, and discovering who you are—not rushing to meet expectations.

You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be. 💙

09/20/2025

Caregiver Burnout is Real 💙

Caring for an aging parent or family member can be both meaningful and exhausting. It’s common for caregivers to feel drained, overwhelmed, or even guilty for needing a break. Remember: taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.

✨ Ways to Support Yourself as a Caregiver:

• Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no when you’re at capacity.

• Ask for help: Reach out to friends, family, or community resources. You don’t have to do everything alone.

• Prioritize rest: Even small moments of downtime can recharge your energy.

• Stay connected: Talk with others who understand—support groups can make a big difference.

• Seek professional support: Counselling or respite care services can give you the space to breathe.

You can only care for others well if you are also caring for yourself. 🌿

09/19/2025

🍎 Helping Kids Self-Regulate as They Transition Back to School

Now that school has been back for a few weeks, we at Building Bridges would love to know how you're children are doing.

New routines can feel overwhelming. For children, the shift back to school can bring extra challenges—new sounds, smells, routines, and social expectations can overload their nervous systems. It helps when regulation strategies are predictable, sensory-friendly, and compassionate.

✨ Here are some supportive practices:

Sensory breaks: Movement before school (shaking it out, trampoline, animal walks, stretching) helps regulate the body. After school, offer quiet or sensory time to decompress.

Comfort objects: Fidgets, soft or squishy toys, or weighted items can give grounding input.
Visual supports: Charts with pictures or times may give structure and reduce anxiety about “what’s next.”

Connection is regulation: Start the day with a grounding ritual together (hug, breathing, superman pose, stomping like elephants). An affectionate or playful ritual tells their body “You are safe”. Kids co-regulate through your calm presence.

The goal isn’t to remove challenges, but to equip your child with tools + support that help their body feel safe while adjusting to a new environment. 🌿

09/18/2025

Caring for yourself after therapy

Some therapy sessions may feel heavier than others, and that's okay. Sharing your story or naming emotions can bring up a lot. This is a natural part of the process.

After a session like this, it may help to:

- spend time in nature
- write down what stayed with you
- share how it felt with your counsellor next time you meet

Healing can feel tender. Offering yourself kindness along the way is an important part of the journey.

Humming helps create space between your thoughts and nervous system, calming the mind and easing anxiety. It’s a simple ...
09/17/2025

Humming helps create space between your thoughts and nervous system, calming the mind and easing anxiety. It’s a simple way to tune into peace and regulate stress, right where you are.

09/17/2025

🐾 Bellatrix’s Paw-sitivity: Keep Showing Up

The bravest thing you can do some days? Just show up.

🐾 To work.
🐾 To therapy.
🐾 To your own life.

Bellatrix is proud of you for being here.

Address

6311 Bowness Road NW #250
Calgary, AB
T3B0E4

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 8pm
Thursday 8:30am - 8pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15873180018

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Building Bridges Counselling Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Building Bridges Counselling Services:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category