The “birth” of I M Psychotherapy Services private practice has been a long, eventful, and a rewarding journey. As you decide weather or not you would like to make an appointment with me, it is important that you have a glimpse of that “eventful” journey.
I moved to Canada from Eastern Europe at the age of 13 and after having lived in four different countries and two Canadian provinces, I found my soulmate, home, and life’s purpose in St Thomas. If my life experiences had taught me anything it is that sometimes we have to travel a long way to find a place we feel a sense of belonging. I have lived and worked in the community of St Thomas for the past seventeen years. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have the most important role of being a mama to two very cool kids.
My education, work, and life experiences are very diverse. I believe that my calling has always been in the field of psychotherapy; however, before pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I was presented with a variety of opportunities to work with youth and adults in both community-based and correctional/institutional settings. In addition to this experience, I have completed a Trauma Certificate through Wilfrid Laurier University, which has further strengthened my understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application across diverse populations.
Personal self-growth and professional development have inspired me to pursue graduate studies, which lead to an experience rich counselling internship and a deeper passion for trauma informed counselling. Having experienced childhood trauma and profession related vicarious-trauma, I understand the deep effort, hard work, and tenacity required to heal and thrive. I also understand the meaningful lessons and strength that can be derived from our traumatic experiences, but what I have learned most is that our past experiences can coexist with the life we are creating in the present.
As your therapist, I hope to always greet you with a warm smile and to bring kindness, humor, perspective, honesty, and a sense of meaning. These strengths allow me to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen and supported, explore their experiences with clarity, and discover new ways to understand themselves and the world around them. As a trauma-informed therapist, I help clients recognize the resilience and insights that can emerge from difficult experiences, while learning to safely hold their past alongside the present. Together, we work on processing memories, understanding their impact on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and building skills to live more fully and intentionally in the life they are creating today.”
Ivana Marjanovic-Mavretic, Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MACP
“What has happened in the past can live alongside your present, without defining it.”
