MEET LANA WICKSTROM
I grew up as a proud farm girl from rural Saskatchewan and bring that down-to-earth approach to life and work in Saskatoon.
I’m a parent, partner, and professional who understands what it’s like to navigate a demanding, dual-career household with challenging parenting issues within the social and emotional demands of real life.
What you see is what you get.
There isn’t a work Lana and an at-home Lana.
In all things, I believe in being direct, compassionate, occasionally salty, and deeply invested in people doing hard things as skillfully as they can.
Even though my demeanor is uplifting and brisk, don’t think (for one second) that I take any aspect of this work lightly. My clients deserve the very best, most skilled support as they navigate one of life’s most gut-wrenching experiences — separating and/or divorcing.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in the trenches of courtrooms, government, and private practice. Suffice it to say, this ain’t my first rodeo. I’ve seen complicated family dynamics from all sides — which means I understand these systems from all angles.
I am Saskatchewan’s leading out-of-court specialist.
Former family law lawyer (plus time as a defense lawyer, Crown prosecutor, and corporate lawyer).
Registered social worker, with comprehensive service delivery focused exclusively on out-of-court work
Mediator and collaborative team member.
Parenting coordination application in progress.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked in courtrooms, government, private practice, and now independent practice.
I work out of court as a reaction to what I saw in court, not as an extension of it.
A few things people notice quickly:
I’m plain-spoken and practical. You won’t get fluff or vague “it’ll all work out” messages from me.
I care more about being effective and skillful than about anyone being “right.”
I won’t promise you an “easy” or “amicable” separation. I will help you make things less terrible than they have to be.
I supervise adult communication so it’s more contained, clear, and child-focused.
I’m not “Walmart separation,” and I’m not looking through rosy coloured glasses expecting people to “get along.”
As a mother in a dual-professional household with kids, neurodiversity, and mental health realities in the mix, I understand the real-life pressure people in crisis are already under separate and apart from this. I bring that lens into the room: this has to work in your actual life, not just on paper.
Ideas & approaches that influence me:
Neuroscience and emotional literacy
Understanding what’s happening in different people’s bodies and brains so they can be better supported and less exacerbated.DBT-informed skills
Distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and “skillful and effective over right”The belief that small, consistent shifts beat “total life overhauls” almost every time.
The kinds of people and resources I often recommend:
Therapists and counsellors who are trauma-informed and practical.
Somatic and body-based supports – massage, physio, yoga, breathwork.
Practical services that help you keep life running (e.g., home organization, cleaning, meal supports).
Financial professionals who can explain money in plain language.
What I read, watch, and follow:
Books, podcasts, and thinkers who are honest about how messy humans are — and who offer skills, not shame.
Content that normalizes hard seasons and focuses on better systems, better communication, and better boundaries, not perfection.
If you’re drawn to real talk, clear expectations, and small but meaningful next steps, there’s a good chance we’ll work well together.
