Archive for May, 2016

Confessions of an Introvert

Growing up as an introvert… sigh… The story I share with you here is not a general overview of my life, but rather a focus on a particular quality I was born with and how this quality affected the progression of my life – and how it has shaped me into the person I am […]

May 20, 2016 No comments

Before I came to see Ivana I was for lack of a better word a mess. My obsessive-compulsive behavior stopped me from breaking my comfortable daily routine and trying new things. I had no self-esteem and didnít think very highly of myself, and was afraid to try something new because I felt inadequate or wouldnít want to take a risk of failing and being ridiculed. By working with Ivana I was given the tools to overcome my troubling obstacles. She showed me ways of improving my self-esteem and understanding that by breaking routine new opportunities present themselves. Even though I have finished the program Iím still using and following the different methods and strategies taught by Ivana, and have found them to be a great success. I would highly recommend the program considering it has helped me a great deal.
Michael, Woodbridge, ON

My family always told me it would be good for me to see a life coach or anyone that could help me with my personal issues other than them. For a long time I thought it would be useless because I thought I figured things out enough by myself. I did understood a lot about myself already and my family is very helpful but being coached by a professional life coach like Ivana is something else. You get to understand yourself and your issues even more, you learn techniques (ways of thinking and feeling) to fight your demons, you get support and you get to talk about things you can't always talk about with other people. Because Ivana is still young, I was not sure if she would have enough experience to help me but I was wrong. She knows what she's doing and provides facts about the human psychology and behavior that are very interesting and helpful, she cares about you and she makes you feel safe. For me it is hard to trust people when it has to do with my weaknesses but with Ivana I was able to talk about many things I barely share. The three sessions have passed by fast but even though it was short it helped my life getting better. Ivana is not a magician, what she gives you is your responsibility to use it in everyday life. She shows you the way but you're the one who takes it. I still have a long way to go but Ivana definitively made it easier for me.
Leila, Oakville, ON

Ivana provided our group with an inspiring presentation, completely catered towards the needs of our youth and where they are at. Thanks Ivana for your support and encouragement of our youth as they aspire to attain their goals
Outside Looking In, Toronto, ON
www.olishow.com/

Working with Ivana was a wonderful experience from beginning to end! I was at a very low point when I decided to sign up for self-esteem life coaching and felt very discouraged. Through our conversations and various reflection exercises I was able to see my negative thought patterns and recognize where I needed to change. After our 3 sessions my life had changed. I was able to land a new job, had more confidence in myself and my came to terms with some of the issues from my past. Ivana is an excellent listener, understanding, observative and insightful. I highly recommend her services.
Vanessa, Oakville, ON

Determined to break through the block she had been experiencing from recent years, and a setback due to a health issue, Ivana diligently challenged her belief system one-by-one rebuilding it with her own set of values. Giving her the self-confidence and boost in self esteem she needed to pursue her dream of helping teenagers and young adults overcome the obstacles and challenges stopping them from reaching their dreams. Her understanding of emotional intelligence stacked on top of her values, determination and life ambitions plus her Masters Degree in Social Psychology makes her an incredible asset and invaluable life coach.
Bruno LoGreco, Master Life Coach, Oakville, ON
www.brunologreco.com

I would like to thank Ivana for donating her services to the Self-Esteem Coaching Program at The Women’s Centre for over a year. During that time she has coached many women to build their self-esteem and confidence using her skills and techniques to make positive changes in their lives. Ivana has the ability to help women discover their self-worth and live up to their full potential. I would highly recommend her services
Melvina Walter, Executive Director, The Women’s Centre, Oakville
www.haltonwomenscentre.org/

My mom was the one who convinced me to go see someone for my troubles with lack of self-esteem and lack of motivation as I had been dealing with the feelings for a long time. At this time I was about to leave for a 2-month job as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania and figured that I would learn more about myself there and it would help figure out my other problems. Obviously it is not that simple so I was open to the idea of talking to someone before I left, but at the same time felt that no one would quite understand where my feelings were coming from.

In my consultation with Ivana I quickly learned that she was easy to talk to, was relatable, cared about what I was talking about and had good approaches and techniques as a life coach to overcome my issues; ones I felt that I could accomplish. I decided it was a good fit so I signed up for 4 sessions. The first session focused on uncovering where these feelings derived from and what caused them. Ivana remained very patient with me even if I was not able to answer some of her questions. After each session she would give me little assignments to complete about myself that I (for once) was excited to complete because I knew it would give her AND me a clearer understanding of myself. By the end of the sessions I can definitely say that Ivana gave me the proper tools for camp to prove to myself that I am not stuck and that I can change my behaviour through practice and commitment. Not only did Ivana help me with my insecurities, but she helped me figure out how to get motivated in figuring out my future and how to start making the right steps to get there by assessing my strengths and weaknesses as well as my likes and dislikes.

All in all I left with a much clearer understanding of myself, as well as my future. I no longer feel like my studies are useless and feel determined to do well in order to finally see results and my full potential. Evidently I still have my bad days but like Ivana said, I am trying to keep going despite the mistakes that come my way... now that I know that the most is taken from those experiences. I highly recommend the program to others, as I am so appreciative of what Ivana was able to teach and give me.
Mollie, Oakville

As a family our experience with Ivana has been very rewarding. Ivana has brought focus and clarity to our family. She has given each of us so much feedback, tools, and new ways to think and perceive what is right in front of us. Ours girls (ages 12 & 14) have grown so much in a few short months. They understand Ivana's role in helping them to be responsible, thoughtful and respectful (of themselves and others). She has helped to guide them in their thought process and teach them how to make good decisions for themselves using the gifts that they each have.

As our girls worked weekly with Ivana they got to know themselves better, what is special about each of them as well as what they value, what their goals are and what they need to do to achieve them. Ivana accepted each of our daughters for who they are, using only encouragement and giving them a push when they needed it. Don't think that Ivana does all the work, they are expected to put time and thought into the sessions as well and from this true progress is made.

I have found each of our daughters to have a greater understanding and appreciation of themselves and what our values are as a family. We are grateful to Ivana and would not hesitate to recommend her services. She is caring, knowledgeable and has proven to be very dedicated and resourceful.
Julie, Burlington, ON

I think you did a great job with the girls. They were a tough group when you were here and I think you handled them very well. You covered a lot of stuff in a short period of time that they will be able to take with them and think about in their futures. I will be doing a Time Management work shop next week and plan to incorporate what you covered and giving them your handout. All things considered I think you did a fantastic job with the girls. Thank you again for coming out. I will keep you on my contact list for future workshops in my career and I hope Urban Arts will do the same. All the best to you.
Rebeca, Toronto, ON

Ivana has been a Mentor with the Richmond Hill Summer Company program for two consecutive summers. She has been a great asset to the growth of the students and either businesses. We value her support and commitment to the program and to our students. We look forward to working with Ivana in the future.
Daniela Mazzaferro, Small Business Consultant, Richmond Hill
www.businessrichmondhill.ca

I feel that the help I received in identifying myself has helped build my confidence and allowed me to have a more positive outlook on life. The family meetings have had an effect on us at home and things are slowly starting to change for the better.
Oscar, Toronto

Ivana has worked with my daughter for over one year now, helping to build her self-esteem and confidence through a series of meetings and social events. She was very quick to provide insight into my daughter’s weaknesses and structured a program that was easy to follow, but progressive. Ivana has a gentle yet persuasive nature, easing individuals to identify their self-worth on their own terms. She often went beyond the call of duty and was very flexible with her schedule and her ongoing commitment to us. I’m very pleased that we found Ivana. She has made a lasting impression.
Addie, Mississauga,