Meet Chari Tomczak
Professional Art Therapist, DKATI, RTC, RP(Qualifying)
Born and raised in Alberta, Chari is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), professional art therapist and registered therapeutic counsellor who believes in the power of creativity and our own ability to find what we need within ourselves and our capacity to heal from life's difficulties.
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A published author and master's level graduate from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Chari is a mother, wife, daughter and friend to many. Chari also sits on The Kutenai Art Therapy Association as a board member and is active on several sub-committees. Her own personal story comes with many turbulent times which could have rendered her frozen in trauma, however art always found its way into her life and created space for her to explore and find healing once more.
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Founder of Tidewaters, Chari's research in grad school was rooted in ocean metaphor and this continues to drive forward how she sees the human experience. Honoring our stories means honoring all the parts of these stories, not just the bits that make us smile or feel good. All parts of you are welcome, all of the time. A professor once shared a teaching from a Blackfoot Elder that "tears keep the heart soft". Water is healing for many, if not all ailments. So the ocean metaphor continues, as does our healing.
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Being gifted both Polish and Ojibwe heritage, Chari holds within her, lineages that carry painful stories from long ago. Her reclamation of both has been a harrowing and beautiful journey. She is intent on cultivating a culturally humble and competent psychotherapy practice. Walking in a good way and with seven generations in mind, has guided many aspects of how Tidewaters operates and is built. Doing no harm is central to everything Tidewaters believes and practices.
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Chari lives in Water Valley, AB with her family, red heeler and frenchton. Apart from her passion for mental health and wellness she loves homeschooling her children, paddleboarding, biking, gardening, reading and attempting to become a homestead farmer.
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Email or fill the contact form below to have a 30 minute free meet and greet, or to ask any questions you may have.
What is Tidewaters?
Creative Approaches to Healing
In-Person and Online
Tidewaters currently offers individual art psychotherapy both in person at The Studio in Water Valley, AB and online to allow for the individual to find the best way for themselves during their healing journey.
Groups are currently only offered online to allow for more accessibility for those looking to connect with others in a safe environment exploring many topics.
Tidewaters the Name
"Tidewaters" was born from the idea of "ebbs and flows of the tides", inspired by Chari's published research around abandonment trauma and the metaphor of the ocean honoring our human experiences and the waves we all face.
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Come and learn to be with all of yourself no matter how turbulent life may be right now, learning tools, new neural pathways and fashioning our behaviours to complement the life we desire, Tidewaters has a place and space for everyone.
Psychotherapy Rooted in Art Therapy
Often people feel like they need to be an artist to 'do' art therapy, however, it is our belief that everyone is inherently creative and that art is a powerful tool for connecting the mind and heart.
Rooted in neuroscience, art therapy is a scientific modality for personal transformation and healing.
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The brain has two sides, and both are responsible for various tasks, by bringing art into the therapeutic space we can honor our whole brain, and bring our lived experience into our lives in a new way. Allowing words, voice and meaning making to bring clarity to our more complicated emotional world.
Reciprocity in Action
Every aspect of Tidewaters is anchored to the value of reciprocity. That fine balance of giving and accepting. We are intentional in the relationships we cultivate and the ways we work with our vendors for our eco-art materials, colleagues, and community.
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We are only as healthy as our community so we invest in those that we surround ourselves with. Take a look at our "collaborations" tab to see the wonderful professionals we work closely with.
Environmentally Sensitive Art Materials
We work with and offer quality ecologically sensitive art supplies to all of our clients. By mitigating our environmental impact we are doing our part to care for the delicate natural world we all exist in.
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We have been working on and are still building a fully outfitted online store, full of Canadian art materials to offer our clients, including basic art kits to get started on your art therapy journey with.
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Stay tuned.
Offerings
Start Your Wellness Journey
Phone
Location(s)
587-840-9872
Water Valley, Alberta
Cremona, Alberta
Cochrane, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta
Professional Memberships/Accreditation:
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CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - #18639
CATA (Canadian Art Therapy Association) Professional Art Therapist - #65029102
ACCT (Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada) Registered Therapeutic Counsellor - #3569
CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association) Professional Member
Psychology Today Verified Therapist ​
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Lumino(Sunlife) Health Provider
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In Process:
ACTA (The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta) Registered Counselling Therapist
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*Not currently on social media*