Cheryl Burke Says She's 'Not in a Rush' to Date Again After Matthew Lawrence Divorce

John Wolfsohn/Getty Images

Cheryl Burke is fine flying solo for now.

The Dancing with the Stars pro, 38, told PEOPLE being newly single "couldn't have happened at a better time" as she arrived at Saturday's 10th annual Gold Meets Golden event in Beverly Hills, Calif.

She explained that finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Matthew Lawrence last September has been therapeutic. "It's been really healing, honestly," she said.

She further clarified that she is not yet completely active in the dating pool. "I refuse to use dating apps. And Patti 'Millionaire Matchmaker' Stanger, she's working on it, but it's not easy and I'm not in a rush."

RELATED: Cheryl Burke Says She's 'Proud' to Be 'Alone, Not Lonely' amid Ex Matthew Lawrence's New Romance

"I think I definitely have a lot of growing and evolving to do, and now...I have the time to really do that without the anxiety of a timeline," Burke added. "It couldn't have happened at a better time, because I'm ready for it now."

Burke admits she's happy being single for a year, or even two. "I mean, I deserve it. I've always put everyone in front of me, so this is the first time I'm actually being selfish, but in a good way."

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

RELATED: Cheryl Burke Wins Custody of Dog in Matthew Lawrence Divorce: '2023, We're Off to a Great Start!'

"I feel at peace, at ease and I'm just excited," said Burke. "I feel like I've been a reborn human being here on this planet because it's so many changes, right? My career, my personal life. But I still have my dog."

The celebrity dancer won custody of their shared dog, Ysabella, last month. "She's been my rock," she continued.

RELATED VIDEO: DWTS's Cheryl Burke Returns to Wedding Venue to 'Reflect' amid Divorce from Matthew Lawrence

Burke noted of her furry friend, "It's been really nice to just be with someone who may not have an opinion, but still is very opinionated. She definitely is. They say that your dog is like your owner, so it's kind of scary."

Burke and the Boy Meets World alum, 42, met during the 2006 Dancing with the Stars season during which Lawrence's brother Joey competed. They tied the knot in May 2019.