More About Izabela Bienko

Izabela has completed Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alberta, and Child and Youth Care from Grant MacEwan University. Izabela also completed her Master’s in Child and Youth Care Counselling from the University of Victoria, as well as her Masters in Counselling Psychology from CityUniversity of Seattle. She is a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta, The College of Alberta Psychologists and the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta.

Izabela has worked for Alberta Health Services, Edmonton and Calgary School Boards, and various community agencies providing therapeutic and counselling services for children and families for over 15 years. Izabela believes that sensitively adapting to the needs and goals of clients through therapeutic relationship is essential to good therapeutic work. She has supported school staff, adjunct health care professionals and community support workers, providing supervision, consultation and professional education.

Izabela practices counselling through various approaches including supportive counselling, family systems therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts, and solution-focused therapy. Izabela strives to support individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves in the context of their families, relationships, environments and circumstances. She views psychological services as integral in maintaining healthier, more functional lives at school, the workplace, at home and in their communities

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

What is your favourite quote?

“Prepare your child for the path, instead of the path for your child.” – Tim Elmore

What quick advice do you have for people who are really struggling?

Right now, you might be in the ‘down’. You are not meant to stay there. The point is to struggle through and get to the ‘up’. But you are not meant to stay there either. Move through the ups and downs consciously, the purpose of which is to know when and where you are. When you are struggling, you re-orient yourself back to a felt sense of safety in the here and now, to whatever is going on for you in this moment. “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Buddha

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelors and Masters of Child and Youth Care Counselling

Masters in Counselling Psychology

Affiliations

Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta

Psychological Association of Alberta

College of Alberta Psychologists

Canadian Association for Sandplay Therapy

Certifications

Certified Child and Youth Care Counsellor

EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Training

Brain Story Certification

Sandplay Therapy Intern

Languages

• English
• Polish

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Developmental Disorders

• Childhood Development Issues

Other Areas

• Emotional Regulation

Thrive (Child & Youth)

• Adolescent and Teen Issues
• Behavioural Issues
• Child & Youth Anxiety
• Child & Youth Depression
• Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
• Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
• Childhood Development Issues
• Family Issues
• Graduation

I have experience in:

• Abuse
• Arts Performance
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Childhood Development Issues
• Children's Mental Health
• Cognitive Disability
• Difficult People
• Emotional Abuse
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Impulsivity in Children
• Issues Related to Bullying
• Learning Disorders
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Pregnancy
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Self-Harming
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Trauma
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)

My treatment approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Family Systems Therapy
• Person Centered Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Sandplay Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy