Insight Psychological Therapists - Izabela Bienko
Izabela Bienko, Registered Provisional Psychologist, MA Psych., MA CYC, Clinical Coordinator of Insight's Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Wellness Centre (SRPWC) (She/Her)
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 the community.
Unfortunately, Izabela Bienko is not taking any new clients at this time. Please select another therapist from our team.
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 Canadian Association for Sandplay Therapy.
Izabela has worked for Alberta Health Services, Edmonton and Calgary School Boards, and various community agencies providing therapeutic and counselling services for children, adolescents and families for over 15 years. She is also a Child and Youth Counsellor who has worked with high risk populations. She has supported school staff, adjunct health care professionals and community support workers, providing supervision, therapeutic groups, consultation and professional education.
Izabela specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults, dealing with trauma, perinatal and family issues, as well as assessment and consultation services. She practices individual, family and group counselling using various approaches. Through the integration of personal and professional experiences, she has prioritized helping others working towards improving their mental, emotional and relational health.
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
