Iva Andonovska, Trauma Therapist, Somatic Therapist, Mind and Body approach, LGBTQIA ally, Nomadic Therapist, Serbian Speaking Therapist, Grief Therapist, Women's Issues Therapist

Hi… I’m Iva

Iva Andonovska, LCPC

Becoming a counselor wasn't just a career choice for me; it's a calling born out of my genuine love and deep care for people.

Throughout my life, I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, often being labeled as "too" sensitive. For a while, I grappled with feelings of shame, attempting to stifle my emotions and care less. But with time, I came to a profound realization – the capacity to care and feel deeply is beautiful! Embracing my sensitivity became a journey of self-acceptance. I learned to see it not as a weakness, but as a remarkable strength and a superpower.

I also know what it’s like to create a life that fits your values and needs, but that others consider unusual and unconventional. In addition to being a therapist, I’m an INFP, non-monogamous, sex positive, semi-nomadic, nature-loving, and nature-dwelling traveler transplanted from Serbia. I’m always looking for new experiences, adventures, and ways to grow. 

As a counselor, I'm privileged to be a beacon of love, and to guide my clients with care. It's a deeply rewarding path where I get to nurture and uplift others while staying true to myself. 

One of the things I enjoy the most is helping others get in touch with their authentic selves and create lives aligned with their needs and values. When we learn to accept and love ourselves, and learn to be present in our bodies, symptoms often start to dissipate and can become more manageable. Let’s work together to get you unstuck and moving toward a life that honors all of who you are and includes the things you most desire.

My Values

Love

To act lovingly, kindly, compassionately, and affectionately towards myself or others.

Growth

The process of evolving, developing, and expanding in various aspects of life.

Authenticity

To be authentic, genuine, and real; to be true to oneself.

Mind and Body Approach, Autonomic Nevous System, Polyvagal Theory, Holistic approach, Trauma sensitive, Culturally sensitive

 Therapy approach…

Although we will engage in traditional talk therapy, words are only one form of expression. Addressing the verbal and cognitive realms is crucial, but so is recognizing the emotions, pain, and trauma that live in our bodies. My work focuses on gaining awareness of and addressing your needs, holistically. Together, we will work to align your thinking and your habits with optimal nervous system functioning. In addition to discussing how your week went, we’ll also address the deeper feelings, darker experiences, and how to work with your body to make actionable changes to work towards healing and wellness.

Mind & Body Approach

Theories and Credentials

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based out of Chicago, providing telehealth services. With certifications in Grief, Trauma, and DBT, I utilize a holistic approach and rely on the following therapeutic interventions and philosophies:

  • Client Centered Counseling

  • Somatic Approaches

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Trauma Sensitive Therapy

  • Polyvagal Theory

  • Solution Focused

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Art Therapy Techniques

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy

* Trauma and Grief Certificates obtained from Northern Illinois University. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certificate obtained through PESI.

Breathe exercises, grounding, visualization, solution focused, CBT, DBT, Art therapy, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, Somatic Approaches, Client Centered, Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Sensitive, Grief Therapy.