Magdalena Kovač

My name is Magdalena Kovač. Psychotherapy has fascinated me since the very beginning of my studies — I have always been curious about what happens “behind the scenes” of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It was never just a passing curiosity, but an inner calling that has guided me through life. Today, with deep commitment and gratitude, I do what I truly believe is meaningful: I support people in their process of change, self-understanding, and building healthier relationships with themselves and others.

By profession, I am a psychologist. I earned my Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in psychology at Universität Ulm in Germany, and later obtained my Master’s degree at the Faculty of Croatian Studies in Zagreb. I am currently a psychotherapy trainee in transactional analysis (TA) under supervision. TA resonates with me because it embraces an optimistic view: that all people are “OK,” that everyone can grow and change, and that each person has the capacity for autonomy and a fulfilling life.

Alongside my formal education, I continuously develop my skills through professional training. I have completed additional programs in mindfulness, assertive communication, self-confidence development, emotionally focused therapy for couples (EFT), working with associative cards, as well as specialized training in anxiety and depression in psychotherapy. I integrate these approaches into my work in order to adapt therapy to the unique needs of each individual.

In my practice, I work with people facing various challenges — from relationship difficulties, low self-confidence, anxiety, and fears, to depression, grief, and life transitions, as well as inner conflicts, feelings of meaninglessness, or being stuck. I see therapy as a shared journey toward deeper understanding, greater clarity, and inner stability.

I am a member of the Croatian Association for Transactional Analysis (UTA) and the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA). Membership in these professional organizations commits me to respecting ethical guidelines and engaging in continuous professional development, which I consider an essential part of responsible and high-quality therapeutic work.

Like every therapist in training, I have also undergone my own personal therapy — and through that experience, I discovered firsthand how transformative psychotherapy can be. These experiences have strengthened my belief that change is possible and that meaningful shifts can occur through a relationship based on support and understanding.

In my work, I am often described as approachable, warm, present, and empathetic. I believe that authenticity, respect, and safety form the foundation of every healing relationship, and I strive to nurture these qualities in every encounter.

In addition to my psychotherapy practice "Psihoterapija Autonomija" in Zagreb, I am the owner of a German language school, also in Zagreb, where I have been teaching and organizing language programs for many years. This experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds has enriched me and taught me how essential communication, patience, and trust are in every relationship.

I am also a great nature and animal lover, seeing them as natural allies of our mental health. I believe that connecting with nature, being around animals, and cultivating small daily rituals contribute significantly to our inner peace. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, practicing Pilates, spending time with my dog, exploring new trainings, and of course, reading. I see all of this as part of broader self-care — not as a luxury, but as a necessary foundation for a meaningful and authentic life.