![Photo of Ivanovic, Mirka](https://counseling.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/329/2023/09/20230912_Ivanovic_Mirka_F2400072_0604-scaled-e1696354887646-157x180.jpg)
Mirka Ivanovic, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist
Pronouns: She/Her
Areas of Special Interest Heading link
Depression, women’s issues, working with immigrant and international students, trauma, identity exploration, grief/loss, existential issues, mindfulness and self-compassion, shame, sexual assault awareness and prevention, and counselor training and development
Liaison To Heading link
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women
- College of Engineering
- College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
- Office of Global Engagement
Languages Spoken Heading link
- English
- Serbian
- Croatian
What to Expect When Working with Me Heading link
I aim to create a collaborative, genuine and trusting relationship with you in therapy by infusing curiosity, spontaneity and honesty into how I relate to others. I listen for patterns – how you show up in relationships, how you view yourself or how you experience our work together – in an effort to help you understand yourself better and examine what patterns, if any, are worth changing or reshaping. I believe it’s important to also have open dialogue about identity – including aspects of privilege and marginalization and how they shape those aforementioned patterns and ways of being – in an effort to create a relationship rooted in dignity and respect for the complexity of what we each carry as cultural beings. Once we establish a shared understanding of what the problem areas are and how they came to be, I strive to serve as a trusted consultant and mirror to help you bravely reflect on changes you are contemplating that will lead you to more fulfilling relationships and/or a life where you feel more grounded in purpose, meaning and value. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion and philosophical tenents into work where relevant as well.
Education and Training Heading link
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology | 2011
Doctoral Internship | Butler University Counseling and Consultation Services
What I Do at the Counseling Center Heading link
As a Staff Psychologist, I:
- See clients for individual therapy, initial consultations, and crisis services
- Co-facilitate therapy groups, including the Graduate Student Process Group
- Co-facilitate a seminar for trainees on multicultural therapy supervision
- Provide one-on-one supervision to postdoctoral fellows, doctoral interns, and graduate student externs providing therapy services at the Counseling Center
About Me Heading link
I love my rescue dog (a “supermutt”) but have a not-so-secret obsession with Corgis. I love the vibrancy of city life but often seek opportunities to retreat to the stillness of nature. I love running and often use it as a metaphor for navigating life’s hardships. When traveling, I make it a priority to find the best donut or cupcake in town.