I am Caroline Tarkowski
Welcome to Instilled Change Counselling!
My priority is to support you with enhancing your mental well-being and creating change that leaves a lasting impact on your life.
I founded Instilled Change Counselling Inc. in 2019, which is a private counselling practice. I am a Certified Psychotherapist and Child and Youth Care Counsellor. I have over 15 years of experience working as a helping professional improving the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of contexts. Some of these experiences include work in adolescent group care, schools, in-home support, university instruction, leadership, adult mental health, and others. My approach is client-centered, integrative, holistic, and trauma based.
The client and therapist relationship is paramount in my approach. The focus on this relationship allows me to understand what others require to thrive and welcome lasting change. When advocacy is needed for your mental health, I am ready to support you.
My job is never to judge you, but to understand and support you. During our work together, I create a comfortable environment that allows you to work through sensitive and difficult topics. The suggestions and tools that I may provide you with are practical and backed up by research.
During my life I had to face many adversities, which have aided me in developing a strong appreciation for the importance of mental health. They have also helped me relate to others. In my personal life, I am a mother, wife, auntie, daughter and enjoy the company of animals and being in nature. I am fluent in English and Polish and continue to learn Spanish.
Please do not hesitate to Contact Us for a free 15 minute phone consultation or to book a counselling session.
Qualifications:
- Certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association #10002444
- Certified with the Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta
- An active member of the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis
- Continuous post-graduate training in many mental health areas
- Master of Counselling degree from the City of Seattle in Canada, AB, Canada
- Bachelor Degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, BC, Canada
- Child and Youth Care Diploma from Mount Royal College in Calgary, AB, Canada
Therapy Offered
-
Animal Assisted Therapy InterventionsThese interventions aim to improve emotional, cognitive, social, and physical well-being by leveraging the unique bond between humans and animals. Through interactions with specially trained animals, individuals can experience reduced stress, increased motivation, and enhanced communication skills, fostering a sense of comfort and support.
Read more -
Clinical HypnotherapyClinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes hypnosis to help individuals achieve positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During sessions, a trained hypnotherapist guides clients into a relaxed, focused state where they are more open to suggestion. This technique can be used to address a variety of issues such as anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight management. Through this process, clients can tap into their inner resources to promote self-improvement and well-being
Read more -
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It aims to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors. By teaching practical skills and strategies, CBT empowers clients to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving, leading to improved coping mechanisms and a greater sense of control over their lives.
Read more -
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) InterventionsDBT interventions emphasize the development of skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. By teaching clients these skills, DBT aims to improve their ability to manage intense emotions, navigate challenging situations, and build healthier relationships. It's an evidence-based approach that fosters self-awareness and effective coping mechanisms.
Read more -
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)EMDR aims to reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing clients to reprocess these memories in a more adaptive way. This therapy is effective for a range of trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by helping clients to integrate distressing memories into their broader life experiences.
Read more -
Family SystemsFamily Systems Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that views individuals as part of a larger system - their family. It focuses on understanding and addressing the dynamics within the family unit that contribute to individual behavior and emotions. This therapy emphasizes how each family member's actions and reactions can impact the entire family system. By exploring and improving communication, boundaries, and roles within the family, this therapy aims to create healthier and more functional relationships among family members.
Read more -
Motivational InterviewingMotivational Interviewing works to empower clients to find their own reasons for change and increase their commitment to taking steps towards healthier behaviors.
Read more -
Play-based Interventions including Theraplay InterventionsPlay-based interventions, including Theraplay, are therapeutic approaches that utilize play and interactive activities to promote emotional healing and strengthen relationships. These interventions are especially effective for children and families, aiming to improve attachment, trust, and social skills. Theraplay, in particular, focuses on structured play activities to enhance the parent-child relationship, build empathy, and address emotional needs.
Read more -
Somatic InterventionsSomatic interventions involve a holistic approach to therapy that integrates the mind and body. This therapy focuses on the connection between physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Therapists using somatic interventions help clients tune into bodily sensations to increase self-awareness and regulate emotions. Somatic therapy is particularly effective for trauma by addressing how the body holds and processes traumatic experiences, promoting healing through increased awareness of bodily sensations and gentle techniques to release stored tension.
Read more
Feedback & Reviews
You always know just what to say or not to say to make me feel supported and heard. People who have suffered tragic losses are very fortunate to have you help on their grief journey.
Caroline, I am so appreciative of all the lessons learned and guidance given in our sessions. You are compassionate, caring and very gentle with your words.
You are a very compassionate person with an open heart and I’ve always felt very “safe” with you. You are good at what you do and I’m sure you will go on to help many, many more people in life.
Welcome Lasting Change







