Burns Clinical

Alana is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor committed to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Philosophy from York University, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for understanding human experiences and communication dynamics. She also obtained her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick. Alana’s path to becoming a therapist was shaped by overcoming a significant health challenge in her youth, which taught her the profound impact of addressing negative thought patterns and finding resilience beyond physical and mental barriers.

As a therapist, Alana’s mission is to support clients in transforming their relationship with their thoughts, feelings, and sense of self. She believes that through the process of self-discovery, we can transcend the limitations imposed by our automatic thinking and learn to live with greater awareness and fulfillment. Alana employs an integrated, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), existential psychology, nature therapy, and mindfulness. She works with youth (12+) and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, burnout, grief, life transitions, chronic pain, family challenges, eating disorders, ADHD, and relationship issues.

Alana fosters a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion, building self-awareness and resilience. She guides clients through questions of meaning, purpose, and identity, helping them gain insight into their values and priorities. Alana incorporates psychoeducation on the brain, providing clients with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By empowering clients with knowledge about the brain’s functioning, she equips them with practical tools and strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate mental well-being.

With warmth, empathy, and dedication, Alana serves as a trusted ally on the path to healing and self-discovery. She honors the courage and vulnerability it takes to seek support and looks forward to holding space for individuals and groups on their journeys towards increased mental wellness.