I am a woman, a cultural body, an immigrant, and a lifelong student of life. I believe in deep, nourishing, and holistic change - change that fosters true health and wellness for individuals. Born in Romania, I moved to Canada over a decade ago, and the journey of blending my culture of origin with Canadian culture has been an integral part of my story. This experience has shaped my ability to help others reclaim their identities as multi-dimensional, complex human beings. My life journey has given me the capacity to approach everyone with openness, patience, and without judgment. I hold close the belief expressed by Jim Dumont: “Everyone has the right to feel good about who they are.”
I have worked in the social work field in both Romania and Canada. Alongside the education I received in my home country, I earned my BSW and MSW at Dalhousie University, a school rooted in an anti-oppressive approach. This training deepened my understanding of oppression and its impact on people’s lives. In my practice, I support clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, ADHD, depression, insomnia, and relationship challenges, such as recovery from narcissistic abuse.
My approach is integrative and collaborative, always regarding the client as the expert of their own experience. I work alongside them to build toward their goals with deep respect and trust. My greatest strengths lie in creating genuine rapport, fostering safety in the therapeutic relationship, and continually expanding my knowledge. I value relationships, connectedness, and creating spaces that nurture belonging and well-being.
I named my practice Elpis Therapy after the Greek personification of hope. Hope is a powerful survival mechanism and one of my greatest teachers. I believe there is no person who does not need some form of healing - we have to find our path. With the right support, tools, and strategies, the past does not have to define your future. We can all discover hope and light, and create a life filled with greater peace, kindness, and positive self-energy.
Education:
Master of Social Work (Dalhousie University)
Bachelor of Social Work (Dalhousie University)
Master of Social Work (Ovidius University)
Master of Management in Human Resources (Dunarea de Jos University)
Bachelor of Arts: History and English language (Dunarea de Jos University)
Professional membership:
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Professional development:
Brainspotting Phase 1
Internal Family Systems Therapy: competency course. A start-to-finish instructional series for professionals
Complete IFS Therapy immersion: integrating the IFS model across clinical applications
Narcissistic abuse treatment certification program
Expert strategies for Treating Narcissism
CBT for insomnia
CBT for mood disorders– Level 1 & 2
Pharmacology
Brief Narrative Therapy
DBT skills
Domestic violence risk assessment & management
Trauma and addictions
Hana Mazare: MSW, BSW, RSW