Projects
Projects that K.G Psychological Services is involved in...
In October 2013- I was interviewed about the challenges of homesickness for ACCESS magazine (a Dutch magazine for Expatriates). The article was called “Coping with homesickness in healthy ways” p. 50-53.
In November 2014- I was working on a short film portraying various scenarios of human habits that one may develop during the journey of life. We all develop certain habits that may not make much sense to others. However, believe it or not each action has a crucial reason behind it. We hope that this short film prompts everyone to t let go of any judgements towards other people…Because, as the movie says “We Are Only Humans. Special thanks to Strobe Pictures.
I was interviewed about sport psychology for ACCESS magazine (a Dutch magazine for Expatriates). The article was called “Workout the mind with Sport” p. 44-47
I was interviewed for Erasmus magazine NL .The article was discussing various issues that many international students may face when arriving to the Netherlands. It was called “Vaker psychologische problemen bij internationale studenten ISS en IHS”.
I was interviewed for Erasmus magazine International about the issues that many international students may face when first arriving to the Netherlands. The article was called “Praying that there won’t be any more snow.”p.9-11.
I was proud to accept an invitation to present at the TED X event at the Haagse Hoge school, in the Hague, Netherlands.
We worked on a motivational deck of cards and a book V!VA Tools for Well-being published by Petra Books, Canada
Please view below the presentation of the card deck:
This Life coaching card deck offers therapeutic well-being through pictures of animals in nature, poetry and motivational text. These 40 “self-actualization “cards were developed in order to assist teenagers and adults to maintain positive outlook and have a support during the times of change and growth. The card deck as well as the book V!VA Tools for well-being are available in the American book stores in The Hague and Amsterdam. They can also be ordered via http://www.petrabooks.ca/ or through our e-shop here. |
V!VA Tools for well-being book review
A review by Dr. Lucy Slavianska (Phd in Clinical Philosophy, editor/writer and a professional life coach)
“A unique collection of professional psychologist’s advice, complemented with effective easy-to-remember rhyming phrases and beautiful photographs of animals, Viva: Tools for Well-being by Katarina Gaborova is a small but powerful book designed to help and inspire people of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds who are facing struggles in different areas of their lives.
The author shows an understanding of human nature and the ways people cope with grief, fears, disappointment, anger and other negative emotions. She teaches her readers how to be patient with themselves, how take their time when they cope with loss, how to find the inner strength to overcome hardships and get back on track; how to love and appreciate themselves, increase self-awareness, practice positive thinking and achieve more happiness in their lives.
One of the most precious recommendations in the book is related to the fact that many people tend to isolate themselves when they face misfortunes – a behaviour that can lead to depression, illness and other negative consequences. Gaborova explains how a person in a difficult situation can benefit of finding support and also of helping other people.
In a friendly tone, the book also encourages the readers to find their own paths and pursue their personal goals regardless of the pressure from others.
Aware that rhyming phrases improve cognitive processing, memory and learning ability, Gaborova adds her own poetry to enhance the power of her suggestions – for example, “As hundreds fly in one direction/ Take the path of your selection”.
The photographs of animals in the book also have their psychological purpose – studies show that animals have a positive impact on people’s well-being by decreasing stress levels and improving moods.
The wisdom of the book is drawn from the author’s professional and personal experience: Gaborova has been trained as a psycho-physiologist and phychologist in Australia and currently is a life coach and neuro-linguistic programing practitioner in the Netherlands. In her private practice in The Hague she works with children and adults mainly from the international community in the city. Gaborova’s knowledge and understanding of different cultures and ways of thinking are result of her traveling and living in several parts of the world and her yearning to learn how people around the globe deal with life issues.
Viva: Tools for Well-being is an excellent book for everyone looking for inspiration, motivation and encouragement to overcome troubles and achieve goals, happiness and joy in life.”
Hard copy of the book can be ordered via Petra Books
e-book also available on:
I wrote a self help book as a coaching guide for everyday challenges. The book was published in Slovak language called V!VA CESTA K SPOKOJNOSTI.
“V!VA Cesta k spokojnosti”
is a paperback book . The book serves as every day support for various life challenges. It contains:
-animal images for visual stimulation and positive emotional impact
-rhymed therapeutic sentences in order to memorise the message and learn it easier
-explanations of human psychophysiology linked to emotions
-research literature
-and various self-help suggestions
I was interviewed for an article in ACCESS magazine (a Dutch magazine for Expatriates) . The article was called “Habits, keep the best. Change the rest”.p 20-23
I was interviewed for a Slovak platform supporting people Slovak Republic who are living abroad NIE SOM DOMA.
A Slovak Magazine ŠARM published an interview about my practice and projects related to positive psychology.
An article “Amazing Shifts” that I wrote was published in Access magazine (Spring Issue) . The article discusses the power of our thought processes based on research of positive psychology.
there was a release of a documentary “Do women have a higher sex drive?” , in which I was interviewed. The film was produced by a Dutch producer and an award winner of the Sexology Media Prize ( in 2012 ) Jan-Willem Breure.
I participated as a speaker at Women Economic Forum in Birmingham, UK. The topic presented was : ” How to adopt a holistic mindset to reinvent the inner strengths”
There was the 4th volume publication of the book for Better Business. Hundred authors, including me contributed with 100 chapters of various success business journeys and their lessons learnt. My chapter was called “Where there are no opportunities, you create them”. I truly hope that you will enjoy reading it.
In December 2018- SEE BEE TEE book for children was published by Petrabooks, Canada. The book was inspired by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and serves as emotional bandage for children of ages 6+. The book has four sections-1.) a rhyming motivational story, 2.) colouring pages based on mindfulness, 3.) memory game reinforcing positive thoughts, 4.) parents’ guide. For purchasing please click here
Written by: Katarina Gaborova
Illustrated by: Nataša Gruden Pižmoht
In November 2018- An article “Grow within yourself for yourself and by yourself” that I wrote was published in Access magazine (Winter’18 Issue) . The article discusses neurobiology of our brain related to will power following with a few tips how to stick new year’s resolutions. Based on science. The full article can be read here.
In this interactive tool for children, their parents and professionals, Katarina Gaborova (psychologist) manages to bring together the essence of two widely-known approaches to therapy: cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. The book gives a very clear indication of how the nine negative thought patterns work, and presents the reader simple exercises to ensure that positive thinking becomes their natural reaction to destructive thoughts and unfortunate events.
The tool has two parts: the book “See Bee Tee” and a memory game card deck with the same title. Both are based on the story of a bee called Tee who was temporarily unable to fly. The story tells how she manages to overcome despair and sadness, and even benefits from the situation with the help of her friend, a wasp called Kevin. The story demonstrates in clear, rhythmic language how Tee’s thoughts developed, how they changed while she was talking to her friend, how new hope arose, and how she ultimately found a way to enjoy the time and new opportunities while she was unable to fly. The story provides a clear model for children and equips them with practical tools to help them deal with their own difficulties. Children also learn how to be less dependent on other people’s opinions and how to be kind to themselves and to others.
A couple of examples from the card deck:
At the end of the book and in the instructions to the memory game, there are manuals for parents. The guide is written in clear language and leaves no doubt about how valuable positive thinking is when it comes to dealing with the past, overcoming difficulties in the present or going through desperate times of loss and grief. The manual is rich in information which is useful to both children and their parents. Both the book and the card game have well-balanced combinations of text and illustrations. The colours also correlate with the story and reflect the feelings the characters are experiencing.
The book and the card game can be used by professionals such as psychologists, teachers and care-givers who work with children suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as children with special needs and children dealing with the challenges of an international move. Playing with the memory cards, reading the story or colouring the pages of the book can be used by professionals to discuss with children various events in their lives, the effects of certain ways of thinking and possible coping mechanisms. Information presented through play is easier received by children and repetition of the same message ensures that it is instilled in children’s ideas and behaviour. Children also learn other skills: appreciate the smaller things in life, value and maintain friendships, talk about their feelings, focus on the present, and have the courage to step out of their comfort zone.
As a child psychologist I already started using the tools in my practice working with children who have difficulties with self-esteem or who have challenges with emotional recognition.
See Bee Tee is a valuable resource in any practitioner’s toolkit.
About the author: Ekaterina Evdokimova is a Child Psychologist and an Expat herself, currently working and living in the Netherlands, You can find out more about her on http://psycompass.pro or https://www.facebook.com/PsyCompassPsychologist/
- regularly writing articles for Access magazine
- Design of INVIGORATE – minimize burnout card deck
- Running company workshops related to these topics *Stressors vs Buffers *Self care without guilt *Decision making processes with effectiveness *and many others custom made