Dr. Tara-Jean Wenc

My goal is to guide you in a respectful and collaborative manner, as you work to gain the knowledge and skills for solutions that will allow you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

My philosophy is ever changing, but is rooted in the belief that perceptions precipitate behaviour. While this could be interpreted as an unintentional and unconscious reaction by an individual, personality and will are definitive characteristics of how an individual reacts. While an individual's motivational and emotional state as well as their experiences will all contribute to perceptions, facilitating an individual's ability to change the way they think about situations - in particular addressing negative and unrealistic thoughts, allows for the development of an individual's conceptualization of unwanted or unhelpful behaviours. Subsequently, this paves the way for an individual to achieve better self awareness, self understanding, insight, and clarity.

After completion of my Bachelor's degree in clinical and counselling psychology, I then accepted a position in Yellowknife at the Territorial Treatment Center (William Roper Hull) working with children and youth. From there I moved to Alberta and managed a number of group homes for individuals with disabilities. During my tenure as manager I became qualified in brief counselling and a trainer for non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI). A number of years later I returned to university to pursue my Master's in Educational Psychology. I attended university as a single parent, and along with my studies I was also working with students with disabilities at the university, as well as teaching with the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan. Although my roles did not initially include counselling services for the children and families I was working with, it was very clear that such services were required. Without wellness there is no learning, and I have basically operated in a dual role ever since. Throughout my career I have continuously sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and competencies. After many years working in postsecondary and health environments, I chose to continue my formal education, and completed my Ph.D. (specializing in assessment, evaluation, and accountability) in February 2021.