Trauma Counselling with Siena

Welcome!

One of the most difficult tasks for any person is to look into their own dark, unknown inner world for the first time. All our fears and worries come out of it. We may feel like we won't be able to bear the weight, that it will all come crashing down on us and bury us if we stop and look within.

After trauma, many of us struggle with problems that we don't quite understand.

Anxiety, relationship problems, intrusive negative thoughts, perfectionism, an uncontrollable flood of emotions or else the inability to consciously experience emotions, deep shame, the feeling that we don't belong, that everyone is better or different than us, distrust of others, addictive behaviours, constant feelings of guilt or the inability to accept responsibility,... No wonder we run away from these feelings; they can be so violent that we lose ourselves completely in them. We may think there is something terribly wrong with us.

But these are only defence mechanisms. The consequences of traumatization are manifested through mental, behavioural, emotional and physical adaptations we have unconsciously developed in order to survive. We once needed them, but now they limit us in our everyday lives. It may sound incredible that these adaptations once helped us survive, but it is so.

I invite you to an exploration of your inner world in the safe haven of counselling.

Together, we will slowly pull back the curtain of darkness and illuminate the dark corners with unconditional acceptance, compassion and curiosity.

Book your "See if we fit" session

Why Choose Counselling

In counselling we focus on understanding and resolving the effects of trauma. We don’t re-visit or re-live traumatic events, as many studies have proven that this can retraumatize and cause additional damage. In counseling, we address "our parts", the defense mechanisms that still react as if we are experiencing the trauma now, even though it has already passed. We establish an understanding of why we need(ed) those mechanisms, why some parts of us cannot move on. We learn to respect and accept all parts of ourselves, even those we may fear or dislike, and in doing so, we gently heal. In the healing process, trauma is slowly integrated as a memory of something from the past, reducing or even eliminating its impact on the present life.

On the healing path we address concrete problems, which may often be the effects of trauma:

anxiety, depression, high sensitivity, relationship problems, negativity, perfectionism, problems with emotion regulation, lack of motivation, troubles being mentally or emotionally present, addictive behaviours, constant feelings of guilt or inability to accept responsibility, …

In addition to the above, the list includes many other issues and is specific to each individual.

The foundation of counselling is a conversation that we constantly connect to physical experience. With this, clients develop a more understanding, accepting and compassionate relationship with themselves, which is key to healing even the deepest wounds.

About me

Meet your counsellor

My name is Siena Krusic, I have a master's degree in psychosocial counselling and most of my work is focused on healing the effects of trauma.

I come from Slovenia, but I live in Osijek, on the eastern edge of Croatia.

For the first two decades of my professional life, I was an active television and film director, but I felt like something was missing.

In my mid-thirties, I decided to change professions and finally found the right one for me. I started with coaching and have worked with the American school Cimba Italy for a good decade. In the process, I realized that coaching work is too superficial for many clients, so I decided to go deeper. I obtained a master's degree in psychosocial counselling, and I continue to gain knowledge at various trainings with world-renowned experts.

Curiosity and compassion led me to the field of healing the consequences of psychological trauma. This is an extremely sensitive area that requires a lot of knowledge, unconditional acceptance and compassion.

I wanted to learn from the greatest in this field.

Bessel van der Kolk, currently the world's leading trauma expert, impressed me with his passion, insight and exceptional knowledge, so I completed several training courses with him. As the modality in which I work, I chose TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment), created by the brilliant Janina Fisher.

More about my references below.

I work with clients from Europe and North America in three languages (Slovenian, Croatian and English). Counselling mostly takes place online, which may not be suitable for everyone, but in my experience it's just as effective. It also allows me to have affordable prices and adjust them according to the client's ability.

I know that each of us has a different story and acts on their own impulses. Even though our problems may be similar, the process of healing is different, unique to each of us. I develop relationships with clients in a way that suits them and adapt the counselling process to each individual.

My greatest inspiration are my clients, who are often surprised to find that they have already survived the worst. As they uncover the incredible strength within themselves which has brought them through all the terrible experiences, their inner world reveals itself as rich and full of beauty. Curiosity, joy and laughter come to life.

Education and experience

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Bachelor's degree in Film and TV directing (AGRFT, Ljubljana, Slovenia) - I'm not active in this profession any more
Master's degree in psychosocial counselling ( FUDŠ, Nova Gorica, Slovenia)

I have been working with clients individually for about fifteen years, leading support and counseling groups, as well as workshops for small and large groups.

I have experience working online and in person, independently and in a team,

in Slovenian, Croatian and English.

Certificates

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Certificate of Professional Recognition: Traumatic Stress Studies (Bessel van der Kolk - Trauma Research Foundation )
Certified Complex Trauma Professional CCTP-II (Janina Fisher)
TIST - Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (Janina Fisher - Academy for Therapy Wisdom)
Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate (EmbodyLab)

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Courses on trauma (Trauma Research Foundation)
Courses on trauma, anxiety and shame (NICABM)
Coureses for professionals to include "Inner Relationship Focusing" in the work with traumatised clients (Focusing Resources)

Clients' testimonials

Ivana, 21

I have been in counselling with Siena since 2019, when I had a lot of problems and we had sessions twice a month, but that number has now significantly decreased due to my progress, and now we only talk a couple of times a year. Through counselling, I felt better and better, gained the necessary self-confidence and reduced my anxiety. 4 years ago, I could not have imagined how much I would progress and that I would be able to change and accept some things, for which I am very grateful. Most of all, I am grateful for the fact that she taught me to connect with my body and mind, and thus influence my thoughts, which helped me in everyday stressful situations. The techniques I learned from her helped me change my self-image but also taught me how to deal with unwanted situations and feelings.

Yoav, 26

I have trouble hearing and understanding the parts of myself that cause me problems in day-to-day life. Siena has given me a space where I feel safe to explore my inner world and apply these insights to my daily life.

Anita, 32

Thank you for all the knowledge, skills and techniques. Counselling has actually changed my life. It's still changing. I am aware that I put a lot of effort, energy and self-love into my work. It was she, Siena, who helped me with understanding, empathy and encouraging words, to whom I am immensely grateful. I realized that I can do much more than I thought and that I don't have as little influence on my life as I first thought. She taught me to recognize different parts of myself, to accept them and to be gentle with myself.

Jasmina, 50

I started learning about emotions. I was never aware of this before. If I was asked how I felt, my answer was simple: "Great, thank you?" or if I was asked about my feelings, how I was experiencing something, the answer was only a reaction. I simply left the "dangerous environment" and retreated into my own world.

It had gotten so far that emotions no longer existed at all (at least not nominally or perceptibly). I can say that I felt restlessness or resistance. But I couldn't tell if it was anger, sadness, disappointment. All of this led to the point where, over the years and the traumas I had experienced, my body shrivelled up. It became like cast in plaster, and it was the same with emotions.

The combination of everything led to excruciating pains spread throughout the body. Of course, with the knowledge of "pushing away feelings", I pushed that away as well. However, each barrel is full once. And so, my body collapsed, shattered like glass into 1000 pieces. The helplessness I felt at that time led to an even worse psychophysical condition. My mind collapsed.

Siena came to meet me in the face of a heavy loss.

Even the very beginning was completely different. I didn't get a lot of suggestions on what could help me. We started slowly, above all we learned about what I was feeling and learned to name emotions, to perceive them, where they are reflected in the body... Without tasks and instructions on how to do it.

I'm not good at describing, but now I understand why certain problems arose, how they piled up and what it means to feel anger, happiness,... The first one I named was relief. And this is still very present in my vocabulary and in me. A relief to now know and understand why my body reacts the way it does. And that's the... Relief.

What is trauma

The understanding of trauma and its effects on us has advanced tremendously in recent decades.

The leading trauma researchers are making breakthrough discoveries, proven through neuroscientific research and practically validated through the treatment of those affected by traumatic experiences.

We now know that trauma imprints itself in the body and changes how our brains and nervous systems function. It follows that the healing of the effects of trauma takes more than just talk therapy or counselling alone.

Single or repeated traumatic events, when our safety or even our lives are seriously threatened, can leave profound consequences in us.

We carry some memories of traumatic events consciously, but we might repress others. Some are too extreme, or take place when we are very young, even before birth. Repeated events from which we cannot escape can cause particularly severe mental health problems. The trauma becomes engraved in us so deeply that we constantly relive it with various triggers.

Not everything that affects us emotionally is a traumatic experience.

Psychological trauma is defined by how an individual experiences an event (or events), in which his or her life, physical integrity or sanity are threatened, and which is impossible to emotionally process and integrate at time. The individual's vulnerability plays a big role in this, which is why traumatic experiences in childhood have a particularly strong impact.

If you want to learn more about trauma: Judith Herman, Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Richard Schwartz, Janina Fisher, Ruth Lanius, are among the world's most important trauma researchers. More popular knowledge is collected by Gabor Mate, who combines the research of others in his work and presents it in a reader-friendly way.

Their body of work can be accessed by reading books, reviewing articles, and watching their many educational videos uploaded to free platforms.

Possible causes of trauma

The development of psychological trauma depends on each individual and their vulnerability. Roughly speaking, these are the events in which our safety or life is at risk and over which we have no influence. Trauma can be caused by a single event or repeated, long-term exposure to traumatic events.

Below are the most common single events that can cause trauma:

• Physical or sexual assault

• Serious traffic accident

• Sudden death of a loved one

• Natural disaster

• Witnessing difficult events

Long-term exposure to traumatic events causes even more serious consequences:

• Repeated verbal, physical or sexual violence (within or outside the family)

• Severe natural disasters with long-term consequences

• Life-threatening illness or long-term hospitalization

• Danger to the life of a loved one

• War - as a victim or a soldier

• Kidnapping

Childhood trauma leaves the most dire consequences. It is particularly traumatic for a child if he or she doesn’t receive safety from parents or guardians, who represent the only possible source of safety:

• Intimidating parents (threats, cruel punishments, ...)

• Exposure to domestic violence, witnessing violence

• Parents neglect or abandon the child

• Frightened parents (anxious parents who cannot ensure safety)

• Parental divorce

• Parental mental illness

• Death of a parent or a guardian

In adulthood, single and repeated traumatic events have a greater impact on those who did not develop a secure attachment with their parents in childhood, because they are therefore more vulnerable. Thus, severe psychological trauma can develop regardless of age.

Recently, there is more and more talk about transgenerational trauma, where the consequences of traumatic experiences are passed on from generation to generation. This means that traumatized parents pass on the consequences of their own traumatization to their children, and they pass it on to their children,...

By working on ourselves, we can stop the course of transgenerational trauma and ensure that we do not pass our suffering on to others.

Signs of Traumatization

THE MOST COMMON ISSUES OF TRAUMATIZED PERSONS:

relationship problems
anxiety
negative self-image
low self-esteem
feelings of shame
deep distrust in others
intrusive negative thoughts
perfectionism
feeling excessive guilt
depression
unexplained pain
irrational fear of guilt, of being wrong
disconnection with oneself, with the body
non-chemical or behavioural addiction
chemical or substance addiction
self-harm
suicidality

In response to traumatic events, we sometimes develop defence mechanisms, also called adaptations, to help us survive. Over time, these adaptations can lose their primary role and begin to do us harm.

HOW MANY OF THE LISTED ISSUES DO YOU RECOGNIZE IN YOURSELF?

Healing the effects of trauma

We may be aware of a past traumatic experience and remember the events well, or it can be hidden deep within us. It often manifests as a body memory, especially if the traumatic experience affected us in early childhood (perhaps even before we were born), when the brain was not yet fully developed, or the events were so extreme that there was a temporary interruption between the brain centres responsible for the formation of memories. Early trauma can leave us with particularly dire consequences.

Our organism is always trying to return to homeostasis, to internal balance. We even carry mechanisms in us that are in charge of self-healing. If we are severely psychologically damaged due to difficult experiences, these mechanisms can be weakened or disabled. Therefore, it is not surprising that our organism develops a wide variety of adaptations in the struggle for its survival.

Unfortunately, these adaptations can get us into trouble, because these are the very effects of the trauma we are talking about. Fortunately, we now understand that even such severe problems arose as adaptations or defence mechanisms that helped us survive in the past, so at least we can see their inner purpose in a positive light.

In the healing process, we use various techniques to explore our inner experience - everything from thoughts and emotions to less obvious bodily feelings, impulses and hard-to-describe sensations. We develop the ability to feel and at the same time be aware of what we feel, thereby taking more control over our inner experience, which is of utmost importance in the healing process.

We devote a lot of attention to understanding our own defence mechanisms (adaptations) and the value they held for us in the past. We learn to distinguish between real danger and triggers that come from past experiences; we get closer to ourselves and slowly develop a more positive attitude towards ourselves.

Healing can take a long time and is sometimes painful, but it can bring curiosity, self-compassion, gratitude, self-respect and light into our lives.

Most problems can be dealt with in counselling, but some require the knowledge of other experts. If I assume that the client's life is in danger or that the client might need medical, psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment, we refer him or her accordingly.

Book your "See if we fit" session

Gently I open my eyes Into the darkness The light comes in I breathe again

Welcome!

Why Choose Counselling

About me

Meet your counsellor

Education and experience

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Certificates

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Clients' testimonials

Ivana, 21

Yoav, 26

Anita, 32

Jasmina, 50

A few words on trauma

What is trauma

Possible causes of trauma

Signs of Traumatization

Healing the effects of trauma

Feeling listened to and understood changes our physiology; being able to articulate a complex feeling, and having our feelings recognized, lights up our limbic brain and creates an “aha moment.” In contrast, being met by silence and incomprehension kills the spirit.

Contact me

Gently I open my eyes Into the darkness The light comes in I breathe again

Welcome!

Why Choose Counselling

About me

Meet your counsellor

Education and experience

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Certificates

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Education and experience

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Additional knowledge absorbtion:

Clients' testimonials

Ivana, 21

Yoav, 26

Anita, 32

Jasmina, 50

A few words on trauma

What is trauma

Possible causes of trauma

Signs of Traumatization

Healing the effects of trauma

Feeling listened to and understood changes our physiology; being able to articulate a complex feeling, and having our feelings recognized, lights up our limbic brain and creates an “aha moment.” In contrast, being met by silence and incomprehension kills the spirit.

Contact me

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