Yulia Gushchina
clinical psychologist
certified Gestalt therapist
Individual and group therapy for adults. Online and in person in Belgrade · in English and Russian.
Psychotherapy: space for the soul,
food for thought
When there is more within than can easily be said
I work with emotional and inner experiences that are not yet fully formed into words — with what can be hard to articulate and, at times, uncomfortable or frightening to voice.
In our sessions there is no pressure to present yourself in a particular way, and no need to prepare in advance. I follow you at your own pace, so that space gradually opens for approaching and understanding your experience, finding resources, and transforming dead ends into new perspectives. Your personal tasks of development stay at the centre of my attention.
As self-understanding deepens, the inner world typically becomes more predictable and coherent; then, as the sharpness of pain loosens its grip, curiosity and the wish to live more fully tend to re-emerge. Life shifts from being merely bearable to becoming genuinely interesting.
About me
Close attention to lived experience and to what emerges between us
I am a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, based in Belgrade. I work with adults — individually and in groups, in person and online — and offer sessions in English and Russian.
My practice is grounded in relational psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy. In practice, this means close attention to lived experience: to what emerges between us in the room, and to how experience becomes something personally owned rather than merely observed.
I have been in practice since 2008 — in university clinics, hospitals, and private work — and continue to learn through regular supervision and collaboration with international colleagues.
Experience & education
Professional path
- Clinical Psychologist — Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), 2007.
- In practice since 2008 — major university-affiliated hospitals (Alekseev Psychiatric Clinical Hospital; Botkin State Clinical Hospital, Moscow) and private practice.
- Certification and accreditation in Gestalt therapy, 2010.
- Training in relational psychoanalysis under the guidance of international colleagues (USA, Europe).
- Regular professional supervision.
Ways to work together
How we can work together
01Individual psychotherapy50-minute sessions · in person in Belgrade (Stari Grad, Dorćol) or online
Individual work can be helpful in a range of situations — for example:
- Bodily symptoms — chronic tension and pain, disturbed sleep, psychosomatic expressions. We help the body find words — so the symptom no longer has to speak for you.
- “Something is missing” — life seems broadly fine, yet without fullness. We make sense of it through attentive work with feelings and relationships.
- Mood swings — closeness that feels like a rollercoaster or a desert. We develop self-regulation and inner support.
- Life only in work — beyond work, little feels meaningful. We restore balance and authenticity.
- Life behind “frosted glass” — muted, flavourless, along repeating patterns. We look for support and fullness of life.
- Some of what brings people to therapy has been there for a long time: patterns in how OK the world feels, in distance and closeness, in mood — patterns that trace back further than words themselves. This sometimes touches territory that gets labelled as a disorder. I prefer to meet it as it is, without starting from a label.
- Emigration — adapting to a new place; losing familiar support and circle.
- Loss — bereavement, separations, losses in career and relationships.
- Acute crisis and trauma — gentle support in a difficult moment.
- A wish to grow — there is a direction, but the step feels hard to take.
…or simply when it feels to you that therapy might be helpful.
02Group psychotherapyA psychotherapy group · a safe, supportive format
In the group format, relationships take centre stage. Together we create a safe space in which what usually shows up outside the group as misunderstanding, conflict, or silence can appear and be explored. Here we come to understand ourselves and one another better, and make our connections more flexible and alive.
03Clinical supervisionIndividually and in groups · for early-career professionals
I offer supervision individually and in groups — for those beginning practice or looking to deepen their professional style. I take supervision myself with international relational colleagues.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the first session like?
It is a calm conversation, with no need to prepare in advance. We get to know each other; you share what brings you, at your own pace. Together we begin to outline what feels important to work on. No “right” words are required.
How long is a session, and how often do we meet?
A session lasts 50 minutes. We usually meet once a week — regularity supports the work. Frequency can be discussed based on your situation and goals.
Online or in person?
Both. In person in Belgrade (Stari Grad, Dorćol), or online from anywhere. In my experience, online work is no less deep than meeting in person.
In which languages do you offer sessions?
In Russian and English.
Is confidentiality maintained?
Yes. Whatever happens in our sessions stays between us — this is one of the basic conditions of safe therapeutic work.
How do I know whether therapy is right for me?
This becomes clearer as we go. A few sessions are usually enough to sense whether this way of working suits you and whether you feel comfortable with me. The decision is always yours.
If you feel that something inside you deserves careful attention, you are welcome to explore whether this way of working suits you.
Contact
Taking the first step
Would you like to begin individual or group psychotherapy, or enquire about supervision? Get in touch — by email or via the form.
Fill out the form
Or email me directly: yulia@becomingyourself.space
In-person sessions in Belgrade
Stari Grad, Dorćol, Kneginje Ljubice 10