Meet Violeta Pidgorna
B.A., MASTERS LEVEL COUNSELLING INTERN THERAPIST, EMDR Therapist
Hello! My name is Violeta, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Counselling degree at the City University of Seattle (Edmonton campus). I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree from MacEwan University. As a Russian-speaking Ukrainian, I offer therapy in Russian and English, and have experience working with Ukrainian refugees.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families to help them navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. My focus is on understanding each person’s unique perspective and supporting growth, connection, and resilience within the family system. Through practical strategies and a compassionate, collaborative approach, I help clients discover strengths they can use to create positive change in their lives and relationships.
Clinical Overview
Therapy for Children, Teens & Parents
In sessions with youth, I focus on unconditional acceptance and patience, meeting children and teens where they are in their journey. I provide a warm, safe space for them to share their feelings without judgment, helping them build emotional stability, coping skills, confidence, and better relationships. I have training in Play-Based Therapy and utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to support children and teens with anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioural regulation, bullying, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), self-esteem, body image, disordered eating, and educational challenges. With parents, I prioritize clear, honest, and open communication about their child’s progress and treatment goals.
Therapy for Adults & Families
My personal experiences have shaped me into a therapist who deeply cares about my clients. I believe in my clients’ ability to make meaningful changes in their lives and I approach therapy with authenticity, balancing empathy with open, honest conversations that lead to clarity and new insights. I bring humor and curiosity to sessions, striving to create a non-judgmental environment where every struggle matters.
I believe that feeling stuck is a normal part of being human. When working with adults, I focus on making my clients the priority, ensuring they feel understood and validated. I persistently explore thought and behavior patterns to find an approach that resonates with their needs. I’m here to walk alongside you and navigate challenges together.
I have training in supporting adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, stress, self-esteem, disordered eating, body image, and relationship concerns. My practice incorporates evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Somatic-Based Therapies, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Person-Centered Therapy. When working with couples and families, I work from an attachment-based lens and utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Areas of Focus
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Attachment Issues
- Behavioural Issues
- Body Image
- Boundaries & Communication
- Burnout
- Career Counselling
- Child & Teen Counselling
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Disordered Eating
- Divorce/Separation
- Emotion Regulation
- Family Counselling
- Life Transitions
- Parenting Support
- Relationship Conflict
- School Struggles
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Sleep Concerns
- Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
- Women’s Wellness
Therapeutic Modalities
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Play-Based Therapy
- Art-Based Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Person-Centered Therapy.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Somatic Experiencing
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Professional Trainings
- EMDR training, Sharon Meredith, EMDR Consulting
- Certification Training: Essentials for Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents, Steven OBrien, PsyD, PESI
- Advanced CBT Training: Evidence-Based Interventions for Chronic Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, John Ludgate, PhD, PESI
- Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binging and Body Image: What Every Clinician Needs to Know, Judith Matz, LCSW, ACSW, PESI
- Introduction to Play Therapy Fundamentals, Tammy Schamuhn, R. Psych, RPT-S & Tania Johnson, R.Psych, RPT, Institute of Child Psychology
- Childhood ADHD: From Struggling to Thriving, Tania Johnson, R. Psych, Institute of Child Psychology
- Childhood Anxiety: Helping Children Heal
- Fostering Emotion Regulation
- Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Exploring Attachment: The Power of Relationship
- Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma Certification Training, Janina Fisher, Arielle Schwartz, Abi Blakeslee, Raja Selvam
- Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity: Simple, Clear Guidelines that Maintain Quality of Care and Protect Your Practice, Beth Rontal, MSW, LICSW
- Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5-TR: A System-Based Approach, Margaret Bloom, PhD
- Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM), AHS
- Access and Privacy Fundamentals for Alberta Public Bodies (FOIP)
- HIPAA Compliance Training
Academic Credentials & Professional Memberships
- Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle (In Completion)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, MacEwan University
- Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (Student Member)
A Bit About Me
Although I have always wanted to work in healthcare, I didn’t initially see myself as a therapist. The resilience of the people that I have encountered inspired me to pursue psychology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my cats and fiancé, watching TV shows, paddleboarding, hiking in the mountains, practicing yoga, and adding to my tea collection.
