• Dana Holkestad, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

    Welcome! My name is Dana (she/her) and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University (Vancouver, BC) and a BA degree from Vancouver Island University. I have been practicing since 2022 and I am continuously grateful to witness the therapeutic journeys of those I work with.

    I’ve always felt called to counselling work and I seek to offer the safety and connection necessary for clients to begin – or deepen – the exploration of their inner selves and associated behavioral patterns. While there are a variety of contributing factors to our mental health, I believe that enhanced self-awareness and healthy ways of emotional processing can only lead to a greater harmony in daily life and relationships.

    Every client is unique, and we all face a mixture of challenges that are both universal and personal. I trust in the therapeutic process to help you uncover what matters most to you. You are the expert on your own experience, and I am honored to sit with you, offering effective tools and perspectives that can facilitate the process of healing.

    Dana offers therapy in English.

    She is accepting clients for online and in-person sessions at 130 Spadina Avenue.

    Book Now

    It’s unfortunately common today for symptoms such as anxiety, low mood or overthinking to arise, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and eventually stuck. You might be left without a language to describe what’s happening, leading to self-criticism, turning inward and even isolating yourself from sources of support. These decisions are common and completely understandable. When we get into these places, it’s often difficult to know what the next step is. However, without a safe place to express yourself and sort through what’s going on, it can be difficult to move through these challenges.

    You’re not supposed to do this alone; humans are wired for connection. With a safe space, a listening ear, and some new tools and perspectives, you can bring curiosity to your experience and begin to shift unhelpful patterns.

    As the therapeutic process unfolds, you’ll likely feel more compassionate toward yourself and feel more validated in what you’re going through. This enhanced

    self-understanding sets the foundation for more empowered choices and the better yet: feeling and showing up differently in your daily life and relationships – often calmer. Everyone, absolutely, everyone, needs help and support and to feel connected – and that includes you.

    Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.

     

    — Tori Amos


    My Practice and Credentials

    Areas of Expertise

    Complex trauma

    Attachment Issues

    BPD traits

    Dissociation

    OCD traits

    Anxiety and Depression

    Trauma

    Anger Issues

    Grief

    Life Transitions

    Codependency

    Professional Associations

    College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

    Ready to get started? Reach out to us today!

    Call, text, or email using the information/form below. Our administrative team will answer any questions you might have and learn how we can help you. If you’re interested in working with me, please let them know at this time.

    Prefer to book on your own? Don’t want to wait for the office to open? Click the link below to schedule a consultation.

    You will then be connected with me for a free 15-minute consultation.

    This is a chance for us to meet, for you to ask me any questions, and for you to tell you a bit about my approach so that you can determine if I’m the right fit for you.

    Schedule your first therapy appointment and begin your healing journey!

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Trauma, Sex, and Couples Therapy in Toronto
    Offered Virtually or In-Person at Spadina and Queen