My Professional Journey So Far
My journey into the field of psychotherapy has been a path of dedication, learning, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges.
Education
Born in 1988 in Belgrade, Serbia, I was always fascinated by the complexities of human behavior and development. This passion led me to pursue both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Pedagogy at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, where I graduated in 2012. During my studies, I was drawn to understanding how people learn, grow, and overcome obstacles—a curiosity that would shape my future career.
Eager to expand my ability to support others, in 2012 I embarked on a four-year extensive training in Belgrade in Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RE&CBT) at the Affiliated Training Center of the Albert Ellis Institute from New York. Completing my certification in February 2019 was a significant milestone, equipping me with effective tools to help individuals manage their emotions and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
In 2015/2016, I took a pivotal step in my professional development by passing the Psychology Difference Exam (Psychotherapeutic Propaedeutic) at the Faculty of Media and Communications, Department of Psychology, University Singidunum. This achievement helped me to earn the National Psychotherapist Certificate in Serbia, further solidifying my dedication to the field of mental health.
That same year, my journey led me to Schema Therapy, an approach that resonated deeply with my belief in addressing the root causes of emotional difficulties. In 2017 I began formal training at the Center for Schema Therapy in Belgrade, affiliated with the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). Immersing myself in this modality, I achieved my Standard-Level Schema Therapist certification in January 2021, followed by Advanced-Level certification in March 2022. After earning the Advanced level certificate I was recommended for a Supervisor Certificate in Schema Therapy (Fast-track process), so from March 2022 to March 2023 I was doing Schema therapy Supervision under supervision. In April 2023, I became a certified supervisor for Individual Schema Therapy, and in November 2024 I became a certified Supervisor and Trainer for Individual Schema Therapy. With over 140 hours of supervision under esteemed experts such as Tijana Mirović PhD, Christina Vallianatou PhD, Patrick Harper, Dr. Susan Simpson, Dr. Eckhard Roediger and Ermal Azllislari, I continue to deepen my expertise.
Professional Journey
My professional journey began even before I completed my studies. While still in graduate school, I interned as an Expert Associate Pedagogue at “Jovan Miodragovic” Elementary School, gaining practical experience that would prove invaluable. From 2013 to 2015, I worked at "Miloš Crnjanski" Elementary School in Belgrade, followed by a position at "Čika Jova Zmaj" Preschool Institution from 2016 to 2019. In these roles, I honed my expertise in child development and behavior management, working closely with children facing learning difficulties, behavioral issues, ADHD, and anxiety. It was during this time that I began integrating RE&CBT techniques to support their personal growth, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of tailored therapeutic interventions.
Simultaneously, in September 2014, I embarked on a parallel path in private practice as a psychotherapist under supervision. This allowed me to expand my work to include adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety disorders—such as social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, depression, and a myriad of challenges of daily life. By December 2019, my private practice had become my primary focus, leading me to establish the "Compos Mentis" Education Center in Belgrade. There, I dedicated myself to providing psychotherapy and supervision (since March 2022), fostering a supportive environment for both clients and fellow professionals.
In a significant life transition, I immigrated to Canada in April 2024. Today, I reside in Waterloo, Ontario, where I continue my passion for helping others through my private practice. I offer individual psychotherapy to adults and provide Schema Therapy supervision, working exclusively online to reach a broader community. This move has allowed me to bring my experience and expertise to a new context, embracing the opportunities to support clients from diverse backgrounds.
Living in Serbia, a multicultural environment, has made me sensitive to cultural differences and has prepared me well for the diversity of Canadian society. I offer therapy sessions in English, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, and I am also fluent in French. This multilingual ability enables me to connect with clients from a variety of backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive support.
Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to creating a therapeutic space that is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe in the resilience of people and am dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, heal from past wounds, and achieve personal growth.
I'm honored to be part of your journey toward healing and look forward to working together to help you embrace a balanced and fulfilling life.