Daniella Besirovic, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Populations: Children (5-12),Teens (13-18) & Adults

Areas of Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Stress and Burnout, Work/life balance, Life Transitions, Communication, Interpersonal Conflict, Self Compassion/Esteem/Self worth, Bullying, Behavioural Challenges, Divorce/Separation for Children and Youth, Blended Families for Children and Youth, Sport Performance Anxiety , and Trauma. 

Therapeutic Models: EFT, DBT, EMDR, Gottman, Attachment Therapy, Play therapy, and Animal-Assisted Therapy

Locations: St. Albert, Edmonton & Virtual

Availability: Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons in St. Albert and Tuesday and Thursdays at the Brewery District

A Note From Daniella

Hello there!

At thirteen, I was referred to a Psychologist for test anxiety. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. After completing the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Concordia University of Edmonton, followed by a Master of Arts in Counselling degree from Yorkville University, I was officially ready to transition into my role as a therapist. Now I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist committed to the well-being of all my clients. Having worked with various clients and dealt with their unique circumstances, I have found my true passion in guiding them to discover the answers they seek.

As a therapist, I am known to be direct, challenging, motivating, eclectic, and fun. My goal is to make this process less nerve-wracking and more relaxed - - like you're having coffee with a friend while maintaining an ethically sound practice that propels you toward your therapeutic goals. I believe that people can heal, connect, grow, and live a fulfilling life. I aim to walk alongside you on that journey to help you nurture the best version of yourself. Creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients is my top priority, as I view it as the foundation for growth. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and empathic space for all my clients.

I provide counselling to children (5 -12), adolescents (13-18) & adults in various areas including, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Emotion Dysregulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Peer Relationships, Self-esteem Challenges, Life Transitions, Bullying, Behavioural Challenges, Stress, Divorce/Separation, Infidelity, Blended Families, and Trauma. My early experience working in Mental health in various capacities was predominantly in the realm of forensic psychology, addiction, and trauma, having started my early work experience at Stan Daniels Healing Centre, then transitioning to work at Boyle Street Community Services, and landing at McCullough Centre - an Alberta government operated transitional housing program for males facing homelessness and addiction. Initially registering as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), I worked in a clinical setting which allowed me to gain experience working with a plethora of client challenges and goals in a more generalized capacity. I registered as a Provisional Psychologist in February of 2022, and my practice has shifted to focus predominantly on Children, Youth, and Adults. 

Recently I have taken training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy facilitated by Lane Pederson and Animal-Assisted Therapy and Working with Parts from an Indigenous Lens facilitated by Shelley PomPana Spear Chief. I have also taken various trainings from the Institute of Child Psychology: Childhood Anxiety - Helping Children Heal, Compassionate Discipline, Highly Sensitive Children, Helping Children through Separation and Divorce, The Impact of Technology, The Making of a Resilient Child, Childhood Trauma - Finding a way through, Demystifying Childhood Gender and Sexuality, Trauma Informed Yoga and Breathwork for Kids, Childhood ADHD, Empowering Learners, and Classroom Mental Health.

My approach to counselling is client-centred at the core. I integrate a variety of evidence-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT),  Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Play in Therapy and Art in Therapy. Additionally, I incorporate Animal Assisted Therapy into my practice with my co-therapist, Minnie. I am committed to expanding my therapeutic knowledge and have a strong interest in trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches.

Outside of the counselling room, you will find me immersed in play with my 5-year-old, spending time with friends outdoors, at a spin class, sweating it out at hot yoga, ripping through fashion blogs, or nestled up on the couch near a fire watching some form of reality TV.

Updated schedule as of December 12th 2023 Ongoing:

St. Albert - 1 Tache Street, St. Albert

Monday 9:30 - 3:00 PM In-Person or Virtual

Wednesday- 9:30-3:00PM In-Person or Virtual

Friday - Animal Assisted Therapy - 9:30 - 3:00 PM In-Person or Virtual

Brewery - 10328 121 ST, Edmonton, AB
Tuesday - 9:30 AM - 2 PM In-Person or Virtual

Thursday - Animal Assisted Therapy- 9:30am - 7:00 PM In-Person or Virtual

A Note From Minnie

Hi! My name is Minnie, and I am a beginning-stage therapist-in-training here at Summit Counselling as I explore the world of animal-assisted interventions and activities. I am 7 Months old, and I am a Tea Cup Pomeranian.

Did you know that animals in therapy can help you remain more present and feel more connected? More puppy cuddles, anyone? I am working slowly on becoming more in tune with human emotion and how to show you connection. I promise, I really am a great listener!

When I am not working on becoming a therapy dog, I love cuddling, belly rubs, and chasing my best friend Alessia around the house.