Dana Burlac, RP (Qualifying)

(She/Her)

Locations: Vaughan, Mississauga, and Phone/Video
Disciplines: Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, and Family Therapy
Languages: English and Romanian
Top Specialties: Life Transitions, Emotional Regulation, Complex Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem and Confidence

Education

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (candidate), Yorkville University
  • Bachelor of Arts, Specialized Honours in Psychology, York University

License and Memberships

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): #17227

About Dana’s Training and Credentials

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Additionally, I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

About Dana


Welcome to my page!


We know that the universe is vast, yet we often overlook the vastness of the human mind. Each person brings forward their own mini-universe to explore, something I have always had a passion and curiosity for. Inside each of us is a mystery waiting to be unfolded, strength and resilience to be found, and the potential for real change. To be invited into someone’s inner sanctum is the ultimate privilege, and something I treat with the utmost respect and care.


The human experience requires us to navigate numerous adversities and uncertainties; we are all more alike than different in this sense, yet everyone faces their own unique set of challenges. I believe that our minds can amplify our suffering and confusion at times, regarding how we approach difficult day-to-day circumstances. On the other hand, I also believe each person can learn to better understand and access their emotions, find the strength to change their narratives, and build lasting solutions.


No matter the individual, and no matter the concerns they bring forward, I consider each client to be the best expert of what they experience in their own minds and bodies. I view people holistically, acknowledging that our physiology, psychology, and sociocultural surroundings impact our well-being and identity. It is this foundation that I work within, while also challenging its boundaries, encouraging growth to take place.


At the heart of therapy, I strive to create a non-judgemental, compassionate, open, and collaborative environment in which you can heal and flourish. My approach is rooted in client-centred and trauma-informed practices, and I seek to facilitate empowerment by highlighting personal strengths. Although I tend to first apply emotion-focused strategies, followed by solution-focused tools, I consider myself an integrative therapist—I use a wide variety of therapeutic modalities to tailor sessions to each client’s unique needs. This includes drawing from techniques found in several different models, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural interventions.


Whether you are at a low point or looking to practice better self-care, our journey starts wherever you are and builds from there. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out, so we can discuss your concerns and how I can best support your path towards personal wellness.


For more information on how I approach therapy, you are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation with me. Alternatively, you can book a first session with me, using the links on this page. If at any point you determine that I am not the right fit for you, I would be glad to assist you in finding a therapist who is more aligned with your needs.


Dana’s Story


There are many reasons why I chose to become a therapist. I have not always known this is exactly what I wanted to be, but I knew I often felt energized by the emotional and mental exchanges between myself and others. One turning point occurred when I volunteered on an online platform geared toward active listening and providing emotional support. In addition, my values align with relieving people’s pain, reinforcing justice and social equity, and listening more than speaking.



In my master’s program, I learned to apply the psychological knowledge I acquired in my undergraduate studies within a therapeutic context. When I saw therapy’s potential to help people improve their emotional and mental state, I wanted to play a proactive part in that change, and I knew this path would form an integral part of who I am and my life’s journey.



Practicing therapy gives me purpose, through witnessing the way it impacts lives and, essentially, the world at large. I believe in Building Bridges’ philosophy of healing through connection, because when we are in our darkest moments, those connections can feel broken or lost—it certainly felt that way for me at different points in my own life, when everything seemed hopeless. Coming out of that state is never easy, but it is always worth it. That is why I strive to foster in others the most important ingredient for personal growth: hope.


Therapy with Dana


It takes courage to initiate therapy and open up to a complete stranger, but I aim to help you feel safe and comfortable to do so, right from the start. We will first spend time establishing and growing the therapeutic relationship between us, while I get to know more about your life, main concerns, and goals. Then, we will collaborate to determine the therapeutic approaches that might best suit your needs, before diving deeper into our work. Throughout our time together, we will touch on what is meaningful to you at your own pace, working one session at a time towards achieving your desired transformation. While I cannot guarantee results, I pledge to make every effort I can towards a positive outcome.