Ferne Strain, B.S.W., M.S.W, R.S.W.

Ferne is Metis/Cree ancestry from Lac la Biche, Alberta who has been in the social service field for over 20 years. Committed to changing First Nations, Inuit and Metis people’s lives, she has volunteered for many organizations and boards over the years. Currently, she sits on the Indigenous BC College of Social Workers Council.

In 2022, she was the Inaugural Recipient of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada Award for Distinguished Social Work Practice Protecting the Rights of Children. The award is granted to social workers in recognition of their contributions to improving children’s lives and wellbeing in ways that reflect the philosophy of Dr. Janusz Korczak.

Experience

Ferne Strain worked at Child and Youth Mental Health as a clinician for 18 years, specializing in children and youth that aged from one year old until 19 years old. She has worked with various mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Ferne also has extensive experience working with individuals with neurodivergent diagnosis’ like ADHD, Autism, and FASD/ARND.

She has extensive experience with issues relating to adoption such as the process, the various developmental stages of adoption that parent and child progress through. She also has personal experience with adoption as she has adopted 9 children at various ages.

She has been the sole proprietor of Compassionate Counselling and Raven’s Nest for 13 years working with children, youth, adults and couples.

  • Yes - I am certified by First Nations Health Authority to accept people who have First Nations status, people who have attended residential school (or have a relative who has), Metis people, non status people and anyone who is a survivor or has a friend or family member listed as a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

  • Yes.

  • I accept e-transfer, cheque and cash. Inquire about private insurance coverage.