Hi, I am Eva Simona!

A joy-focused psychologist in love with creative ways of connecting with yourself and others.

I’m happy to welcome you into this little corner of my universe, so let me show you around…

  • Master’s degree in psychology from the University of Zagreb, graduating in top 5% of my class

  • 2-year training in art therapy (+ extra 2 years as a teacher’s assistant in the program)

  • continuous training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT); interest in IFS and body-oriented therapy

In the professional corner you’ll find:

Including work experience as a…

  • Teaching Assistant at the University of Zagreb

  • HR Manager of a fast-growing mobile gaming company

  • Learning & Development consultant in fintech

  • self-employed psychologist since 2017

In the home corner you’ll find me enjoying family life.

Some of my greatest joys include…

  • holding hands and going to the library with my 5-yo daughter; my 1-yo son’s smile; my husband’s hugs and steadfast support; exchanging voice notes with friends

  • rainbow color-coded items; books with happy endings

  • creating memories and capturing moments in photos, videos, notes and poems

  • biking around Amsterdam and enjoying the views; being near bodies of water

  • place of birth: Venezuela

  • home country: Croatia

  • short seasons lived in: Madrid and Vienna

  • current home since 2024: Amsterdam

In my passport you’ll find...

I often say I’m a psychologist by trade and recovering perfectionist by choice.
In another life I would’ve loved to be a graphic designer. Or a librarian. Love the smell of coffee and anything with passion fruit. Used to be a cheerleader and a jazz dancer (I still miss it.) I speak four languages and I’m working on Dutch as my fifth one!

My story...

Growing up and in early adulthood, I took pride in being seen as responsible, organised, even-keeled. But while those are all good things to be and aspire to, I was missing acceptance of all the other parts of me as well. I followed the expected path and played the role of a “good girl”, while simultaneously often feeling like something was wrong with me and like I’d never quite fit in. I had trouble discerning what my real desires and needs were, and what I was just taught to want and expect.

I realised I wanted and needed freedom to experiment and make mistakes, create, not know, feel all the different feelings, play, focus on and express joy.

I found it in psychotherapy, art therapy, ACT, art, poetry, nurturing meaningful connections and letting different parts of me show and be loved.

I found freedom and joy, and made it my mission to support others in finding the same.

Learn more about Joy Coaching

How can I support you?

Let's get in touch