As a licensed Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist in the state of New York and a certified Couples and Family Therapist, I have been practicing psychotherapy for over 35 years. I maintain a private practice in Manhattan seeing individuals, couples, and families.

In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I am also an author, speaker, and educator.

My educational background includes a Doctor in Clinical Psychology from The Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University and two master’s degrees: M.A. in Psychology from the Derner/ Adelphi University and the University of Belgrade. I completed my post-graduate training at Ackerman Institute for the Family, thus earning a certification in Family and Couples therapy.

My professional engagements include Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, Clinical Faculty at NYU School of Medicine, Alumna of the Ackerman Institute for the Family, Board of Directors at American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA), Visiting Scholar at the University of Belgrade, Associate of the Tavistock Clinic/London/UK; Conference Chair/International Family Therapy Association (IFTA).

As a multicultural and multilingual psychotherapist, I have extensive clinical experience working with people from a wide range of ethnic and racial backgrounds, striving to provide culturally responsive, effective care and guiding people who come to consult with me toward a deeper and more fulfilling relationship.

When I reflect on 35 years of my clinical practice as a psychotherapist, it becomes clear that throughout my professional life, I have been studying and remaining curious about how stories we tell about our lives, are entangled with our emotions, the ways we behave, and ways they impact our relationships.

Over the years I learned to translate emerging findings from psychodynamic theory, systemic and intergenerational schools of thinking,  narrative therapy, neuroscience, and attachment research to develop my unique style as a psychotherapist, known as integrative therapy.

My approach is influenced by my background and experiences.  I was born and raised in Belgrade, Former Yugoslavia, and have worked and trained internationally in Belgrade, London, and New York City. I am fluent in several languages.  As someone who has moved between multiple languages and cultures in both my professional and personal life, I am deeply interested in the intersection between culture, mental health, and relationships. Drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant woman, I have developed a particular interest in working with people who are transitioning between cultures, including internationals and refugees. Whether our decision to immigrate was made by choice or out of necessity, our life experiences shape our relationships with others in profound ways.

I find working with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating life transitions and transitioning between cultures and languages particularly meaningful, as it resonates with my own cultural experience of setting roots in New York City. Like many immigrants, I am engaged in an ongoing process of cultural negotiation, which plays out daily in our homes and influences our child-rearing practices as well as our sexual interactions. I am passionate about helping others in similar situations navigate the complexities of cultural transition and create fulfilling, satisfying lives in their new cultural contexts.

One most rewarding tasks I undertake is writing psychological evaluations for people who are seeking political asylum and/or claim extreme family hardship.

In addition to my work with individuals, couples, and families navigating cultural transitions, I also specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, domestic violence, and child and adult sexual abuse. During my time at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, one of the world’s premier institutions for family therapy, I was honored to be one of the founding members of the Institute’s Making Families Safe for Children Project, which focused on the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. In 2016, I established my project aimed at raising awareness about child abuse in my home country – the countries of the Former Yugoslavia.

Ultimately, what motivates and energizes me is helping people from all over the world feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. When you bring your pain, dilemmas, and joys into my office, you inspire me to continue learning and growing as a clinician. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with every one of you and learn from you every day.

Thank you for reading my story.