Danielle Abel - Insight Psychological

Insight Psychological Therapists - Danielle Abel

Danielle Abel, Therapist, BMus, MC (She/Her)

As a therapist, I approach each session with warmth, authenticity, and compassion to create a sense of safety and collaboration with each client. I focus on trauma-informed and client-centred care, using personalized, evidence-based, and adaptable treatments tailored to each individual. I firmly believe in everyone’s capacity to overcome challenges and feel honoured to be part of the journey.

*NOTE: Our Post-Practicum Therapists offer reduced rates for counselling support. Please be aware that FEES WILL BE NON-REIMBURSABLE by Extended Health Care Benefit Plans.

Book Now

More About Danielle Abel

As a recent graduate of the Master of Counselling program at City University of Seattle, my primary areas of specialization are trauma and grief. I am passionate about supporting individuals navigating all types of traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma and faith transitions, as well as those experiencing significant loss of family members or other close relationships. Additionally, I have a particular passion for supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility and pregnancy loss, particularly those in the process of undergoing IVF treatment.

As someone who firmly believes that the client is the expert in their own life, I take a non-judgmental and collaborative approach that centers on building self-compassion and deepening self-understanding through curiosity. Having personally experienced how hopeless navigating trauma and grief can feel, a part of my role is to hold hope for each client as we navigate the healing process until you can start feeling hope yourself. I specialize in helping clients understand and process their trauma on a physical, mental and emotional level, by co-creating small, manageable goals together to take a step-by-step and holistic approach to healing. I am particularly passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma to reconnect with their bodies as a safe place through mindfulness, sensory exercises and movement. I believe in the importance of both the client and therapist coming to the session as their whole, authentic selves, including making room for both the heavy and lighter moments throughout the session. My approach is integrative, incorporating Person-Centred Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

When I’m not supporting clients, you can find me playing the piano, singing, playing hockey, rock climbing, cuddling the two cutest dogs in the world and binging true crime podcasts.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

Danielle, when did you know you wanted to become a psychologist?

I knew I wanted to become a psychologist in high school after taking my first psychology course. I’ve always been deeply fascinated by people and understanding the unique factors that motivate individuals, and as soon as I started that first course, I was hooked. Leading up to entering the counselling field, personal experiences with my own losses, trauma, and mental health challenges gave me greater insight into the value of having a truly compassionate, authentic, and non-judgemental therapist. This reinforced my desire to offer that kind of help to others who may be struggling.

What is your favourite quote?

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot