Miss Joana Maksimova, MSc

Counseling Psychologist

Verified

“A licensed psychologist specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focus: relationships; fertility journeys). Using a warm, compassionate approach, it is my passion to guide you towards a meaningful change and empower you to live an authentic life. My approach is driven by a desire to move beyond diagnostic labels. I'm dedicated to helping people feel truly heard, as well as empowered to explore and understand their emotional experiences.”

About Me

Licensed psychologist with a Master's degree from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor's degree from the Free University of Berlin, specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My areas of expertise are focused on relationship and intimacy issues, as well as reproductive problems and fertility journeys. In my practice I help people live more confidently and build stronger, fulfilling relationships. In addition, my 6 years of professional experience in positions in a corporate environment allows me to understand emerging challenges related to the workplace. I love working with people from different cultures. My experience with living abroad for many years has helped me tremendously to understand and work with people from diverse backgrounds. It is a true inspiration to engage with people from all parts of the world.

Approach

My approach is based on understanding each person's individual experience and adapting the process to his/her individual needs. For me empathy, compassion and authentic understanding come first. I'm dedicated to helping people feel truly heard and accepted, as well as empowered to explore and understand their emotional experiences. On my professional path I'm passionate about breaking stigma and fighting for more inclusiveness, as dysfunctional societal "norms" have been putting people at pressure and creating suffering for centuries. Together we explore deeply held beliefs, negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors, and create a change through the development of better coping strategies. Main characteristics of my approach: • Warm, empathetic and collaborative approach • Partnership on the way of overcoming hardships • Working with strengths, inner power and resources

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Basic Information

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Sofia, Bulgaria

In-person & Online

Services

I'm specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. My areas of expertise: • Relationship and intimacy issues • Reproductive issues and fertility journeys • IVF • Stress, burnout and anxiety; panic attacks; anger management • Difficult relationships at the workplace; handling challenging situations • Career and personal development; work-life balance. Together we reflect on repeating unhealthy patterns within your relationships and vicious circles you may feel caught into and foster healthier dynamics. We explore difficult-to-navigate challenges such as: • Anger management • Boundary problems • Intimacy issues • Cheating • Jealousy and insecurity • Lack of trust • Break-up ------------------------------------------ In my practice I also have a passion for supporting men and women in fertility challenges and every emotional and relational aspect of the reproductive journey such as: • negative emotions - fear, anxiety, anger, grief • impact on relationship and intimacy • health anxiety • handling expectations towards the female role • shame and guilt • identity and purpose Fertility journeys can be emotionally overwhelming and frustrating. If you're on your long journey towards the desired pregnancy, feeling on a timeline and facing difficulties every day, I want you to know that you are not alone. Everything on this path can feel uncertain and to stay on it takes enormous courage, patience and effort. It can impact a person's life on all possible levels - your relationship with your partner, friends and family, career, intimacy and mental health. Together we explore your beliefs and feelings towards your role, purpose and identity, the grief which sometimes comes with the period. We talk about resilience, strength and authenticity. I support people to improve their relationship with their partners, family and friends while going through the hardships of the journey and being pressured by the stigma and societal norms regarding if, when and how to become a parent. We also look into ways to improve your inner dialogue and self-care practices through which you connect to yourself and feel more whole and authentic. In my practice I also support people who face stigma and challenges on their child-free path whether by choice or circumstance, to live with more authenticity and confidence. Price per session: 40 euros

Services Offered:

CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBT
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.
Learn more about EMDR
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
Learn more about Individual Therapy
Online Counselling
Counselling conducted via video, phone, or secure messaging, providing professional support remotely.
Learn more about Online Counselling
Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy
Relationship Counselling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Skills Training
Structured programmes that teach practical coping and life skills, such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Learn more about Skills Training
Wellness Support
Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.

Works With:

Individuals
Elderly
Adults
Adolescents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Intimacy Issues
Difficulties with emotional or physical closeness in relationships, including fear of vulnerability, avoidance of connection, or sexual concerns.
Learn more about Intimacy Issues
Women's Issues
Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma
Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout
Sleep Problems
Persistent difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep, including insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Shame
A deep, painful emotion involving the belief that one is fundamentally flawed or unworthy, which can affect self-perception and relationships.
Learn more about Shame
Self-Esteem
A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.
Learn more about Self-Esteem
Self-Care
Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve one's own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Relocation / Expat
The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.
Learn more about Relocation / Expat
Relationship Issues
Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.
Learn more about Relationship Issues

Professional Title:

Counseling Psychologist
A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.