Nice to meet you!

My name is Jelena Ratkovic-van Deursen (she/her). I was born in the USA to Serbian-parents and have lived in the USA, France, Serbia, Spain, and the Netherlands. Consequently, I have a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the multifaceted ways in which cultural upbringing and sociocultural settings influence our views, interactions, and life experiences. At the same time, I know that adjusting to a new environment and different culture can be a challenge for individuals and families as we seek to adapt to differences, without losing our own culutral heritage and identity. Cultural differences can also be a source of enrichment and growth in relationships or a cause of tension and division and it is important to learn to explore and navigate these differences with curiousity and respect. Consequently, I believe that it is essential to engage in psychological counseling with consideration of and attention to diversity, culture, and context at an individual and family level as well as at a more global communal and/or societal level.

Throughout my life, I have had two major passions: music and psychology. I started studying classical guitar when I was 7 years old and decided to pursue professional musical studies, attaining the Bachelor of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague (NL) and Master of Arts in Classical Guitar Interpretation in Alicante (Spain). I have extensive performance experience and am the laureate of several international competitions. I continue to engage with classical music as both a performer and a pedagogue and am always happy to incorporate music into counseling sessions (i.e., Music Imagery Method approaches that help clients emotionally regulate and stabilize, connect to emotional experiences, and explore their inner world to feel more in harmony with themselves and support their personal growth).

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In behavior therapy, the main focus is on learning's role in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

In psychoanalysis, we focus on changing problematic behaviors by understanding the unconscious meanings and motivations behind them.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

In cognitive therapy, the focus is on what people think rather than what they do.

Humanistic Therapy

In humanistic therapy, the main focus is on a person's capacity to make rational choices and develop.

Education

Webster University, Leiden Campus (NL)

Master of Arts in Psychology, Emphasis in Counseling Psychology 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
2022

University of Alicante (Spain)

Master of Arts in Classical Guitar Performance
2018

Royal Conservatoire of The Hague (NL)

Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance
2015

Education

Licensing and Registration

NIP (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen)

NIP member #246887

APA (American Psychological Association)

International Affiliate Member #C2505346443

Questions?

If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling an initial introductory session, please contact at the following:

Email: harmoniousmindsoul@proton.me

Phone number (+Whatsapp): + 31 (0)61 482 5185