Hello, I am Ivana…


Graduated from psychology, I am a CBT therapist, crisis intervention counselor and an endless student of psychology.

Being a traveler, my approach in therapy and counseling is influenced by long term stays in different countries. That is why I am drawn to working online with people from all around the world. Originally from Czechia, I used to live in Spain and Mexico, and Iceland is my home. I speak Czech, English, and Spanish and I conduct my consultations in all those languages. It is absolutely natural for me to do so. I believe that language can bring its magic into the conversation. I enjoy different cultural aspects and adaptation to a new environment. Moreover, I like working with people who do not perceive relationships and sexuality as a monotonous constant and differ from the generally accepted norm.

By believing in the basic principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, I wish that everyone could become their own therapist. My aim in short-term work is gaining a greater sense of client’s self-understanding and adoption of appropriate coping strategies and methods to their situation. Nevertheless, responsibility towards oneself is what I refer to even in long-term collaboration. I want to be your guide, slowly process what hurts and, step by step, work towards a deeper understanding. I am flexible in my approach, and I will appreciate if you share your opinion or wish. As a therapist, I find the aha moment the most fulfilling, when things connect… and then all is clear.

I am convinced that therapy is a process which does not conclude with the end of the session but continues outside of it as well, so I often tend to give homework. The method of expressive writing and its variants would be my favorite approach. And I write myself too. Apart from self-insightful poetry appreciated mainly by my grandmother and a therapeutic-prose piece rather appreciated by no one, I am the author of an artistic linguistic encyclopedia about Icelandic mountains, Listlandi.

Education & career

Forma education

2021 –   doctoral program
Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic   Clinical and Health Psychology

2021   PhDr.
Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic   Clinical and Health Psychology

2019–2021   MA
Center of Cognitive Psychotherapy
Cancún, Mexico   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy

2012–2018   Mgr.
Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic   Clinical and Health Psychology

2018   international exchange program
Monterrey Institute of Technology

Monterrey, Mexico   Clinical and Health Psychology

2015–2016   Erasmus+ exchange program
Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada

Granada, Spain

Further education

2021   Schema Therapy Course, Center of Cognitive Psychotherapy

Cancún, México

2020   Applied Positive Psychology Course, European Institute of Positive Psychology

Madrid, Spain

2014   Complete Crisis Intervention Course, Déčko

Prague, Czech Republic   accreditation for social worker in crisis intervention according to 108/2006 Sb.

Professional membership

2023 –   Icelandic Psychological Association  SAL.is
Iceland

2022 –   Icelandic Association for Psychotherapy  SALM, the EAP member organization
Iceland

2022 –   Czech Association for Psychotherapy  CZAP, the EAP member organization
Czech Republic

2008 –   Czech Family Planning Association SPRSV
Czech Republic

2010–2015   International Planned Parenthood Federation IPPF
International organization

Professional experience

2023 –   Heilsugæslan, Center of Medical Examination of Immigrants
Reykjavík, Iceland   Health psychologist, counseling and psychological assessment for immigrants

2022 –   Therapy line Sluchátko
Czech Republic, telehealth   Work on a psychotherapy support line

2022 –   Samtökin ’78
Reykjavík, Iceland   Psychological counseling in LBTQ+ topics

2021 –   Psychological Counseling Center, Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic   Individual counseling and therapy for students and faculty employees

2021 –   Icelandic Red Cross
Reykjavík, Iceland   Volunteer in the Women’s group program for asylum seekers

2017–2019   National Institute of Mental Health NÚDZ
Klecany, Czech Republic   Analytical-Rumination Hypothesis research intern

2018   Institute of Mental Health IPSAME
Monterrey, Mexico   Private clinic for mood disorders intern

2018   Psychiatry Unit URP
Monterrey, Mexico   Psychology intern in a psychiatry unit

2016   Mind, Brain and Behavior Research CIMCYC, University of Granada
Granada, Spain   Sleep laboratory research intern

2016   Proyecto Hombre
Granada, Spain   Drug addiction treatment center intern

2016   Alzheimer Granada ALTAAMID
Granada, Spain   Association for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia intern

2015   Casa Basida
Navahondilla, Spain   Social service in a community for HIV positive

2014–2015   PečujemeDOMA
Prague, Czech Republic   Cognitive trainer for clients with Alzheimer disease

2008–2015   Czech Family Planning Association SPRSV
Czech Republic   Peer educator in primary prevention, project manager

2011–2012   Faculty of Humanities, Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic   Laboratory of Interspecies Communication intern

2012   Drop In
Prague, Czech Republic   Harm reduction center for addictions intern

2010   Iskérka
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic   Art therapy workshops in a social center for mentally ill

2007–2010   PEER Program Vsetín, Pedagogical psychological counseling Valašské Meziříčí
District of Vsetín, Czech Republic   Peer educator in primary prevention programs about risk behavior

Ethical practise

My education is valid within the European Union and fully recognized both in the Czech Republic and Iceland, where I am a member of local professional associations for psychology and psychotherapy. Through my membership, I commit to adhering to the ethical principles of this profession.

Key aspects of ethical practice for me include respect for the values and preferences of the client and confidentiality. It is crucial to minimize potential harm and seek optimal solutions. Therefore, I regularly pursue further education to keep my approach up-to-date, and I openly share information about my education on this website. If, for any reason, you have concerns that my behavior is unprofessional or are dissatisfied with the progress of therapy, I am willingly open to analyze it with you. Our mutual trust and comfort are definitely my top priorities.

This website is intended for booking and therapeutic purposes only. Received messages cannot be addressed outside regular working hours and if you are not my client. In challenging crisis situations or if you feel concerned about your life, please seek crisis assistance in the appropriate country of your residence. In Iceland, you can reach out to the following:

EMERGENCY

for EU

112

The common emergency number for Europe that can be dialed free of charge.

RED CROSS

crisis help

1717

The Icelandic Red Cross helpline and crisis chat provide support 24/7. No topic is too big or small.

PIETA

suicide hotline

552 2218

The organization for suicide and self-harm prevention offers 24/7 support helpline.

LANDSPÍTALI

psychiatry

543 4050 543 1000

Rapid psychiatric assistance without an appointment.

Other FREE

assistance

Free counseling in Iceland...