Urška Žugelj, PhD
I am a psychologist currently living with my family in Belgrade, Serbia. I teach, coach and counsel parents and professionals involved with children and teens, especially in the expat community.
I hold a BA and PhD in psychology from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. I have earned a coaching certificate at QED in Prague, Czech Republic, I am a continuing student at the Neufeld Institute from Canada and body-psychotherapist under supervision at Tepsyntsis, Belgrade, Serbia. I have spent my first career years in academia and still continue to teach there as an assistant professor. I have been teaching developmental and educational psychology in various undergraduate programs as well as to professionals already working in educational settings. I have experience working as a counsellor on a crisis line, NGO’s in the field of mental health, and am lately focusing on supporting parents and school professionals in international settings. I also do workshops and educational seminars for teachers and other professionals in schools.
In the past fifteen years I have become a mother of four children and have accompanied my husband on his diplomatic missions to Croatia, Czech Republic and Serbia. I approach my work with families and schools as a professional as well as an expat mother, spouse and teacher. I draw from my personal and professional experience to support clients in solving challenges and enhancing their relationships with the young as well as in achieving their full potential as individuals, parents and professionals in all the uniqueness of expat life.
My approach:
I offer counseling, coaching and psychoeducation for parents, teachers and other school professionals in the expat community.
When lives are filled with transitions, many adjustments need to be made: moving homes, separating from loved ones and feelings of isolation in a new country, changes in family routine, career concerns, children changing schools and social circles, and cultural adjustments, to name just a few. Recently a huge additional challenge emerged with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that adds to the pressure faced by expat parents, teachers and kids.
Some of the themes that commonly emerge in my counseling and coaching:
- parenting,
- child/parent relationships,
- child/teacher relationships,
- discipline,
- emotional, behavioural and school related challenges;
- separations, moving and divorce,
- grief and loss;
- early childhood development;
- attachment;
- sibling rivalry;
- sensitive children;
- third culture kids;
- twins and multiples;
- embodiment;
- self-care for caregivers;
- parent/teacher stress.
I do not have to see your child or adolescent to support you as a parent or a professional. Both you and the child will benefit along the way. In relationship to the child, I will support you to see your child from inside out; provide care and nurture to help them overcome current challenges, guide and support them; advocate for them; build a supporting community for your child in a changing world; explore possible solutions to various challenges: behaviour, school, peer or emotional problems. As a parent or a caregiver you will find ways to feel empowered, embodied, commit to self-care; bring joy into your relationships with your children; nurture your adult and intimate relationships and build your own support network.
I will meet you where you are. I provide an accepting, caring and confidential space for you to explore your situation, tap into your internal resources, get insights that will lead you into the direction of desired change. My work is inspired by a relationship-based developmental approach and insights from somatic-oriented approaches. I draw from a deep understanding of human development and body-mind connection. Developmental theory acknowledges that we humans learn, thrive and can reach our full potential by being securely and deeply connected to others. Providing a trustful and caring relationship to my clients is a first step towards their growth. Furthermore, I work holistically so I will want to connect you to your inner and outer resources.