More About Susan Rutkowski

Hello! Welcome to Insight Psychological! I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist here at Insight. I work closely with my clinical supervisors to ensure you are receiving the best mental health care possible.

In my approach to therapy, I utilize a client-centred, strengths-based approach integrating evidence-based practices. I believe that every individual is unique, and therapy should be individualized to each person depending on their unique experiences and preferences. I also believe that every person has strengths, therefore I utilize a strengths-based approach, along with helping to empower my clients in our work together.

In my work with adolescents and adults, I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Client Centred Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. In my work with younger children, I have completed Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute Foundations of Play Therapy Training from which I am able to engage in therapeutic play during sessions.

As for my previous experience, I completed my counselling practicum at the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch, where I was working with adolescents and children who have experienced childhood sexual abuse trauma. Additionally, I have previously worked with CASA Mental Health with children and adolescents in the mental health system. Prior to that, I worked at McMan Youth Family and Community Services in partnership with Children Services, therefore I have unique experience working directly with children, adolescents, and young adults who have involvement with the child welfare system. Through my past work, I have gained valuable skills and experience around working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.

I look forward to meeting you and working collaboratively to support you in reaching your goals.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

What is your favourite quote?

“Let July be July. Let August be August. And let yourself just be even in the uncertainty. You don’t have to fix everything, you don’t have to solve everything, and you can still find peace and grow in the wild of changing things.” Morgan Harper Nichols

What do you do to keep your outlook optimistic?

I find so much joy in life doing the simple things: spending time in the outdoors, being with the people I love, and enjoying delicious food.

Qualifications

Master of Counselling Psychology, Athabasca University

Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, Major in Family Studies, Minor in Child and Youth Studies

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Certifications

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Foundational Training

Emotionally Focused Therapy (Attachment Science in Practice) Training

Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute Green Stream Foundations of Play Therapy Training

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Level One Training

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training (TCI)

Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) Training

Languages

• English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Self-Harming

Thrive (Child & Youth)

• Adolescent and Teen Issues
• Child & Youth Anxiety
• Child & Youth Depression
• Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
• Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
• Children's Mental Health

I have experience in:

• Abuse
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Behavioural Issues
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Custody Access Issues
• Death or Loss of a Pet
• Emotional Abuse
• Emotional Regulation
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Impulsivity in Children
• Issues Related to Bullying
• Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Stress Management
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Trauma

My treatment approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Person Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy