Wendee Byrne - Kutenai Centre for Family Therapy

I have been working with families in various capacities for the past 25 years in alternative education settings, in Learning Support rooms and with non-profits. I have a Masters in Special Education and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I am a licensed and registered clinical therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

I currently work as an elementary school counsellor for two schools and I have my own private practice for family, couples, individuals and children/youth.

My clinical experience includes working with people who may have experienced any number of the following: various types of abuse/neglect, early trauma/attachment issues, developmental issues, anxiety, self-harm, addiction challenges, depression, post-traumatic stress and work-related challenges.

My main clinical approaches are client-centered, motivational and-strength-based, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. My approach is integrative and holistic in that I consider the whole person and their life experiences both on a psychological level as well as on a physical and spiritual level.

For children and youth, I use art and play interventions to facilitate self-regulation, improve self-esteem, and confidence. In addition, I use a trauma informed lens and use interventions that are gentle and non-invasive to explore hard feelings and topics.

With parents and whole families, I use a variety of modalities, and resources to support the changes parents are wishing to make in dealing with challenging situations and behaviours as well as brainstorm with the parents or the whole family in developing a plan and strategies to address difficult topics and improve family communication.

In couples counselling, we examine patterns of behaviour and communication styles while developing healthy ways to express complex and deep emotions in a safe, accepting and loving atmosphere.