Meet your provider

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Jelena Djurovic, Psy. D.

Dr. Jelena Djurovic is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois with more than 10 years of clinical practice, including psychotherapy and assessment of individuals with wide array if psychological issues and of diverse backgrounds!

Dr. Djurovic obtained her Doctoral degree degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her doctoral research concentrated on the mind-body relationship, which is how the positive relationship with oneself can affect physical health and, conversely, how taking care of our physical health can help us feel better psychologically. She also completed research on how brief training in mindfulness skills can affect depression and quality of life. Dr. Djurovic received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has experience working with individuals with severe and chronic mental illness, individuals suffering from substance abuse, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, and issues related to immigration and acculturation. Being an immigrant herself, Dr. Djurovic is familiar with many emotional, practical and legal issues that can arise from moving to a different country and is well versed in helping individuals facing those issues. Dr. Djurovic is a native Serbian speaker, and is fluent in English. Her Spanish is conversational. 

Dr. Djurovic’s approach to therapy

I believe in this day and age therapy is not a luxury, nor is it exclusively intended for those suffering from a mental illness, but it is rather a necessity and can be a benefit to nearly anyone in any kind of situation. Throughout history, human bodies haven’t changed much physiologically in the last several hundred years. However, our lives have changed significantly. Stress and anxiety are everywhere around us. We live our lives at a very fast pace and take on the amount of responsibility and stimulation that is nearly impossible to bear without the help and support from a loving, compassionate and objective partner. Thus my approach to psychotherapy entails a partnership between a therapist and a client which results in my clients getting to know themselves better, learning about their likes and dislikes, and learning how to implement steps in their lives that will help them create boundaries where boundaries are needed, and to create the best possible lives for themselves. 

Throughout my work with many different types of individuals presenting with many different kinds of issues, I have noted that nearly every kind of problem results from one’s negative relationship to oneself. I believe learning how to relate to oneself in a positive manner, regardless of how and why the negative relationship began, can be very beneficial and improve one’s quality of life in significant ways. It is important to note that self-compassion and a positive relationship with oneself means treating yourself as you would treat your own best friend or someone you really care about. 

My approach to psychotherapy is evidence-based, empirically supported and results from growing research. I use principles drawn from the research of Dr. Kristin Neff on self-compassion and her contemporaries related to other mindfulness-based interventions. I also use principles of AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), as well as Cognitive-Behavioral techniques when needed.