Ira Whyte received his education in psychology in Alberta and California, and with a degree in visual arts as well, his graduate thesis focused on the role of creative expression in men’s self-development during therapy. Since then, he has two decades experience in psychotherapy practice.  His counselling approach integrates empirically validated methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with techniques derived from Solution Focused, Narrative, and Experiential schools of therapy.

Ira has extensive work experience providing psychotherapy, assessment, and healthcare services within a variety of settings.  For example, he previously worked at an oncology hospital, The Cross Cancer Institute, in Alberta where he counselled cancer patients, survivors and their families. He also spent many years providing comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, counselling, and consultation to children and adolescents in schools throughout Alberta. More recently, he worked for several years at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing psychotherapeutic intervention and treatment for most forms of childhood mental health disorders to children and adolescents as well as their families. At the Royal Alexandra Hospital children’s inpatient psychiatric units, he also performed psychoeducational assessments. Furthermore, he has supervised senior psychiatric residents, and masters level students in the areas of counselling and psychoeducational assessment skills.

Over his years of clinical practice, Ira has earned a strong reputation in counselling and assessing children, adolescents, and young adults.  Also noteworthy are his training, skills, interests, and experience working with clients of all ages with a wide range of needs.  Ira looks forward to serving clients in the Nanaimo community, providing counselling and assessments to individuals of all ages.