I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Missouri approved clinical supervisor with 23 years of experience providing therapy as well as clinical supervision. My method of counseling integrates techniques and approaches that are important for a healthy mind, body and soul. I believe that all people have innate power to heal and create the life they want by seeking and understanding what aligns with their life purpose. My focus is on meeting people where they are in their difficulties and identifying core beliefs and cognitions which hinder the healing process. Additionally, I feel that how we view the world is a reflection of our inner state of being. Once we transform ourselves and remove those obstacles to our happiness, we relate to ourselves and others in a different, more positive manner. Empathy, compassion and altruism are important elements in pursuit of healing and transformation.
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I was born in Montenegro, former Yugoslavia and came to the USA where I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. I earned my Master of Education in Community Counseling from University of Missouri - St. Louis in 2001 (CACREP accredited). My international background has exposed me to many different cultures; therefore, I am familiar with adjustment to life in a new country. I am fluent in Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian and have presented at many local and international conferences. My work on post-traumatic stress has been published in Clinical Case Studies Journal (Sage Publications). Additionally, I have trained mental health providers from different countries, most recently from Uganda and Europe. I am an approved trainer for continuing education credits in the mental health field and provide international trainings in several countries.
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Clinical Experience & Training
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I completed advanced trainings in a variety of modalities, including a two-year advanced psychodynamic program from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. During the therapeutic process, I pay close attention to attachment issues and early childhood experiences and how those relate to current issues. I strongly believe that we are capable of elevating our consciousness and rewiring the brain. My approach to healing and transformation integrates evidence-based therapies with techniques from neuroscience, Brain Change Therapy, Positive Psychology and mindfulness. My approach helps clients find out where they are “stuck” and guides them to examine beliefs about self, others and the world in general.
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In the past, I have supervised clinicians and worked with the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma, where I treated clients suffering from post-traumatic stress and other co-morbidities. I regularly present and teach workshops at local universities, state conferences, local clinics and agencies. I was also a member of the community advisory board for the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences at Washington University and the Institute for Public Health. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD program in Education, with an emphasis in Counseling at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. My areas of interest are relational neuroscience, resilience, attachment and intergenerational healing and recovery.
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Curriculum Vitae
