Evidence-based psychotherapy
The psychological approach I apply is grounded in the existential-humanistic forms of cognitive-behavioural therapy — REBT, ACT and CFT — tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each client.
An integrative approach
Our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviours, not external things in themselves. By changing the way we think, we change the way we feel.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy developed through three waves: behavioural therapies based on classical and operant conditioning; cognitive therapies focused on changing patterns of thinking; and mindfulness-based therapies that emphasise acceptance and conscious presence.
As a certified international supervisor of the Albert Ellis Institute in New York — the first practitioner from Bosnia and Herzegovina with this accreditation — I have developed an integrative approach that combines the best elements of all three waves, using the techniques that are most effective for your specific problem.
Each approach has its own specific strength. I combine them according to the nature of your problem, your personal preferences and the goals of therapy.
The most researched form of psychotherapy. It is based on the principle that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviours. By identifying and changing dysfunctional patterns of thinking — including catastrophising, black-and-white thinking and overgeneralisation — we achieve lasting changes in emotional and behavioural functioning.
CBT 2nd waveREBTThe first modern cognitive-behavioural therapy. An active-directive approach that teaches people to identify self-defeating thoughts, beliefs and actions, and to replace them with more effective responses. It starts from the principle that we feel what we think — events do not cause sadness, anger or anxiety; rather, it is our inner dialogue about those events that does.
CBT 3rd waveACTThe most influential third-wave CBT approach. Its core message: accept what is beyond your personal control and commit to actions that enrich your life. It uses mindfulness and behavioural activation to help you live in the present, committed to the life values that matter to you — and less preoccupied with painful emotions and thoughts.
CBT 3rd waveCFTHelps people develop deep understanding and compassion towards themselves, instead of a relationship filled with self-hatred and aggression. An integrated, biopsychosocial approach that builds a compassionate mind through therapeutic activities grounded in core psychological and neurophysiological processes. Especially effective for shame, self-criticism and difficulties with self-acceptance.
How do I choose an approach?
On average 10–16 sessions. Some problems are resolved in 1–2 sessions, others require longer work
Usually once a week. Towards the end of treatment, sessions can be spaced out to every 2–3 weeks
Practice between sessions is key to achieving your goals — therapy does not end when you leave the office
A follow-up session is recommended 6 months or one year after treatment ends
Each approach has a specific application. Here is a short guide that can help you understand which approach best suits your situation.
If you have negative patterns of thinking — catastrophising, black-and-white thinking, overgeneralisation — CBT helps you recognise them and replace them with more realistic perspectives.
Saznajte više →If you hold rigid beliefs about how things must be — demands on yourself, others and the world — REBT teaches you a more flexible and healthier way of thinking.
Saznajte više →If you avoid painful emotions and experiences — if you feel stuck because you are trying to control what you cannot — ACT helps you accept and move forward.
Saznajte više →If you are self-critical and feel shame — if your inner voice is predominantly critical and judgemental — CFT helps you develop compassion towards yourself.
Saznajte više →The characteristics shared by every method I apply
The effectiveness of each method has been proven through numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses. All approaches are officially included on lists of evidence-based treatments.
A focus on solving current problems with clearly defined goals. Unlike psychoanalytic approaches that last for years, the CBT approach delivers results within a reasonable timeframe.
Therapy encourages independent activity and the development of problem-solving skills. Most emotional and behavioural reactions are learned — and what is learned can also be changed.
The therapist listens, teaches and encourages, while the client speaks, learns and practises new skills. It is a partnership, not a one-way process.
The goal is not only to remove symptoms, but to develop skills for long-term self-management — so that you no longer need a therapist.
The philosophical principles that connect all the approaches
The therapist asks questions that encourage self-discovery and critical re-examination of assumptions
We learn to manage emotions in adverse situations, not to remove discomfort entirely
Thoughts are treated as testable hypotheses — we identify 25+ common errors in thinking
Counselling as a learning process — the goal is for you to become your own therapist for future challenges
I did not realise I was thinking in "black-and-white" categories until my therapist pointed it out. Now I recognise those patterns and know how to change them.— Client, CBT treatment
No. In practice I often combine elements of different approaches. The choice depends on the nature of the problem and your preferences. Through an initial consultation we determine the optimal approach together.
On average 10-16 sessions, once a week. Some problems are resolved faster, others require longer work. The CBT approach is time-limited — the goal is to achieve results within a reasonable timeframe.
CBT is most effective for anxiety, depression, stress, anger and problems with assertiveness. For some problems I use specific variants (ACT for avoidance, CFT for self-criticism).
CBT is focused on the present, time-limited and based on the client's active work. Psychoanalysis deals with the past, lasts considerably longer and lacks the same level of scientific support for most problems.
Different therapies have different effects. If the previous approach was not CBT, it is worth trying — meta-analyses show that CBT is the most effective for most emotional problems.
Yes. CBT combines successfully with pharmacotherapy. Research shows that the combination is often more effective than medication alone, especially for preventing the return of symptoms.
In practice I often combine elements of different approaches to create an individualised treatment. Book a consultation and together we will determine which approach is right for you.
Want to read more about these approaches from primary sources? See the useful links.
Useful links