Ognjena Irsevic

Hello… good to have you here. ☀️

I work with individuals who are navigating the effects of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, depression, anxiety, burnout, and other emotionally overwhelming life experiences. I also support adults with Asperger's syndrome (I am used to the old nomenclature) and individuals with personality disorders who are motivated to develop greater self-awareness, healthier relationships and improved day-to-day functioning.

As a psychological counsellor and psychotherapist in training, I integrate Compassionate Inquiry developed by Dr. Gabor Maté with William Glasser's Reality Therapy - Choice Theory. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach is used as an intervention in undesired behavioral patterns, while Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) greatly helps in challenging and reconstructing beliefs that no longer serve you. Put together, they all serve to help us reach defined therapeutic goals.

My approach combines depth, curiosity and practical structure, helping people understand not only what they are experiencing, but why it developed and in what way meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

Most of the people I work with are intelligent and capable individuals who have spent years adapting to difficult environments while losing touch with their own needs, emotions, or sense of identity. Others come because they feel trapped by recurring relationship patterns, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, low mood, or longstanding interpersonal difficulties. Whatever brings you to therapy, my aim is to provide a space where you can think clearly, feel understood without judgment and gradually rebuild a stronger and more authentic relationship with yourself.

Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and tailored to your individual circumstances. I value honesty, psychological depth and practical progress equally. Rather than offering quick answers, I work alongside you to understand the underlying patterns that keep you stuck; and to help you develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

I am the founder of Ars Vivendi, a private therapeutic practice dedicated to psychological wellbeing, personal growth and conscious living.

Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are held remotely via Zoom, allowing clients from around the world to access consistent, confidential support from wherever they are.

If you feel that this approach resonates with where you are in your life, I would be pleased to hear from you.

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Some unofficial (but I hope interesting) info about me.

• I was born in the seventies and, like all my fellow Gen X-ers, I was thirty back when I was six; and am still thirty, although I have turned fifty. I embrace age as it allows for greater wisdom, which is a wonderful aid in all my endeavours.

• My name is pronounced [Og-nyeh-na] (The "nj" is like the "ny" in 'canyon'.) and it translates to ‘Amber’. Perhaps due to this unusual pronunciation, around half of the people I know (the non-Croatian half 😉) call me ‘Gina’ and you, also, are welcome to do so - as I identify with this nickname equally.

• I have a strong connection to waters, the sea especially: it soothes me, it rejuvenates me, it brings me back to center. Hence the invitation: the water is fine. It always is. 🌊

• Christianity is an integral part of my identity. Putting Love in all that we do is an imperative, as without the Ultimate Love we all are… oh, well… really doomed.

• Yes, I really love what I do. I wouldn't want it any other way. 💜