Licensed to practice in Texas and accepts 10 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, Grief, Life Transitions and 5 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Miljana (Mina) Bajic, LCSW My main professional interest and passion is insight-based psychology and existential psychodynamic therapy. I studied and practiced clinical psychology in Belgrade, Serbia for 15 years where I also received intensive training in psychodynamic therapy and worked with individuals, families, and groups. Since moving to Houston 12 years ago, I completed my graduate degree at the University of Houston, where I practiced therapy mostly with people suffering from trauma, anxiety, and grief. I taught courses to graduate students at the University of Houston on Spirituality and Aging, Group therapy, Grief/Bereavement therapy and Research Methodology. My deep dedication to the understanding and acceptance of the most diverse human existential experiences and challenges has led me to explore a wide array of aspects and sources of knowledge both scientific (evidence-based), but also those stemming from the creative processes of making music, literature, film, and art. My basic belief is that ultimate healing and balance comes from the inward, often unpleasant, but deeply rewarding journey into ourselves that incorporates our habits and thoughts, but also our physical existence, emotional dynamic and spiritual needs and values. My goal as a therapist is to be a reliable, trusted companion in this journey of self-exploration and self-acceptance.
At the very beginning, we will get to know each other and explore your expectations from therapy and previous experiences. I will explain more about my approach, what are the strengths, requirements and limitations of the psychodynamic, existential psychotherapy. My belief, confirmed by evidence-based research, is that healing comes more from trusting, reliable, and meaningful human relationships than from the specific method the therapist uses, so we will start building this relationship, and the first session will provide the crucial foundation for this sensitive but deeply rewarding process.
The existential approach is based on belief that therapists and clients are “fellow travelers" navigating life’s uncertainties. I bring professional knowledge and tools, but also my own authenticity: compassion, curiosity and sometimes even vulnerability. I see therapy as a shared journey and that companionship gives the process real healing power, it cannot be reduced to an expert-driven process. This therapy approach is focused on "here and now", on what is happening between client and therapist in real time, the goal is not talking about emotions but rather feel them in a safe space accompanied by a person that can empathize and understand. So, client is empowered to explore new boundaries and find new strengths. These steps in therapy session can build the confidence for a meaningful change outside the therapy room. One more crucial truth this approach is based on is that every therapy journey is unique and every person comes with their own strengths, and struggles so being present and openminded as a therapist is a fundamental skill that allows real connection and empowers the healing process.
I enjoy working with insightful, open-minded people who are curious to explore their emotions, needs, and dilemmas; their true values, doubts, and beliefs; and who have the capacity for introspection and for relating to others. They can be of any age, race, or ethnicity, at any level of education, or have any diagnosis. In my experience, when a good therapeutic alliance, the connection between the client and therapist, is made, the healing effect is the most powerful and far-reaching.
Other specialties
I identify as
Couples Counseling
I have two years of experience using couples counseling combining it with my general psychodynamic approach. This method helps partners to understand and accept each other in a deeper and often more respectful way. It also reveals more clearly what partners expect from their relationship and if their values and goals are aligned and in concert.
Existential
I understand many symptoms and diagnoses as protective reactions to hurtful, traumatic, or challenging circumstances that are a common part of our human experience. So, I don't consider seeing it as a pathology very useful but rather as a consequence of a human condition. This approach is the basis of existential psychotherapy, which emphasizes the importance of searching for meaning and understanding existential concerns like freedom, self-awareness, human connection, aging, and death. Working on a person's spirituality is usually an integral part of this method, and I believe it can be a valuable source of resilience when facing life's challenges.
Grief Therapy
I have two years of experience in applying group and individual grief therapy, and though this method is very close to the existential approach, it is specifically focused on accepting and making meaning of significant losses in life that are inevitable, painful experiences of the human condition.
Psychodynamic
My therapy work is mostly insight-based, and the process leads to better understanding and acceptance of oneself, which includes delving into unconscious parts of a person and analyzing material arising from free associations and dream interpretation.