Dr. Bente Skau

Bente Skau is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist who supports individuals, couples, and families navigating relationship challenges, communication issues, childhood traumas, and the impacts of interpersonal harm. She works with people who have been hurt as well as those seeking support to change harmful patterns in their own behaviour. Bente has specialized expertise in the field of sexual abuse treatment including sibling sexual abuse. She has worked extensively with adolescents who have been sexually traumatized, supporting them in rebuilding a sense of safety, stability, and self-worth through trauma-informed, developmentally attuned care. Known for her warmth and curiosity, she offers a space where clients feel respected—while also being encouraged to confront problems directly and move toward meaningful change.

Her therapeutic approach includes Narrative, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She believes that people are not their problems, and that many difficulties arise from structural issues, social narratives, and past experiences rather than personal flaws. Drawing on narrative and existential ideas, she helps clients deconstruct restrictive stories, explore identity and meaning, and reconnect with values and strengths. And when appropriate, CBT is used to build practical skills and create new, sustainable patterns of thinking and behaving.

Reaching out for help can feel vulnerable. Bente offers a supportive environment where clients can move at their own pace and begin shaping the relationships—and the life—they want to build. She provides a free 20-minute consultation to help potential clients determine whether her approach feels like the right fit.