Interview with Bill Caldwell, Founder of Caldwell Health

I: Hi Bill, why are we doing this?

B: I hate writing bios and I thought this might be more fun? 

I: Ok, well lets dive into questions then. What is your background in counselling?

B: Well, a variety of things. Primarily I have spent my career working in residential treatment centers for addiction. These places are both what I would consider among the top treatment centers in North America. I have worked as a counsellor, a clinical supervisor, and a director. Mainly I've worked in extended and continuing care, looking at ways to support and guide people after their intensive treatment stay. 

I: And what about private practice?

B: Thats been even more varied. Caldwell Health has primarily been focused around addiction counselling, life coaching and consulting. In the consulting realm I offer both creative consulting for professionals and organizations as well as solution-focused innovation in HR, project planning, and program development.

I: Why build Caldwell Health?

B: Great question. It has been born out of a couple of needs that I saw time and again working in the field. We can provide convenient support to people in their homes, even in areas where accessing more traditional supports has been difficult, and while I think it is important to be professional I have also found that sometimes can come along with a colder, more clinical approach that some people find it hard to connect to. We are all about connection here. 
I: Why the strong focus on connection? 

B: I have always believed that if I can front load a lot of effort into building a therapeutic connection with my clients, then we can do great work. People grow when they feel understood and supported. I have seen a lot of people over the years giving out assignments and making suggestions before they get to know the person and earn some trust, and I haven't seen it go well. That is something I am passionate about with everyone in CH, they need to focus on building that relationship first. I want it to feel a bit like a family. 

I: Anything that you would change about the field?

B: You mean other than that smug expression I have in that photo? Yes, absolutely. I would inject more humor into all of the helping professions. I make a conscious effort to do that every day. Getting happier and healthier is serious business, but I also think it can be great fun. I think a lot of growth can happen when we can laugh at ourselves together.