Practice

Martina Stažnik integrates therapeutic and social practices with the principles of cybernetics and systemic approaches. The fusion of cybernetic concepts with poetic and creative expression serves as a powerful tool for transformation in both educational and therapeutic settings, creating spaces for holistic and relational ways of engaging with individuals and communities.

In her work, she emphasizes the importance of relationality, non-linearity, and the recognition of multiple perspectives. Her approach is known for its strong community engagement and the application of therapeutic and cybernetic methodologies to various collective activities. She highlights the significance of inclusivity and relationality, fostering interpersonal connections as essential to the well-being of communities and organizations. She utilizes different forms of creative expression as tools for cultivating a sense of shared purpose and collaboration, enabling dialogue and understanding across diverse perspectives. She frequently work with marginalized and vulnerable communities, adapting my approach to cultural differences and the specific needs of each community.

She  successfully integrate participatory leadership practices and systemic approaches to facilitate transformative processes at both individual and organizational levels, demonstrating my commitment to sustainable solutions and the activation of collective knowledge.

The core themes of her  work with organizations revolve around the design and facilitation of learning processes, self-organization, dialogue, and participatory processes with groups across diverse communities and nonprofit organizations on a broad international scale. Notably, she has extensive experience in designing processes, developing curricula, and shaping and implementing various capacity-building and mentoring programs for professionals and adult learners.

She has developed my skills and expertise through projects and programs focused on organizational capacity building, strategic planning, management, and nonprofit organizational development. She  brings significant experience in facilitating strategic planning, organizational change, and capacity-building programs, as well as supporting transformative processes within civil society.

Her professional experience spans years of work in the nonprofit sector, both in Croatia and internationally, with personal and professional exposure to conflict and post-conflict environments.

She possess a deep understanding of civil society development, and her unique perspective—rooted in political science and psychotherapy—allows her to navigate complex situations with a refined awareness of social and political contexts. This enables her to recognize the interconnectedness and complexity inherent in social systems.

 

 

 

Psychotherapy
Counseling
Support for individuals and organizations
Work with groups and communities

Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy
Couples psychotherapy
Online psychotherapy

Support for individuals and organizations
Organizational Supervision & Development
Organizational supervision
Development of organizational culture and self-care
Individual counseling and mentorship

Work with groups and communities

Designing and facilitating strategic dialogues and strategic thinking
Conflict resolution and transformation
Development of capacity-building programs and consulting in organizational development and innovative learning approaches
Building organizational capacity, strategic planning, management, and organizational development for non-profit organizations
Training, mentorship, and supervision for trainers and facilitators—professionals working with adult learners
Art of Hosting design and facilitation of seminars and conferences, especially for large group processes (World Café, Open Space Technology, Pro Action Café, Appreciative Inquiry, Collective Mind-Mapping, Action Learning, The Art of Harvesting, Consensus Decision-Making)

Education

 Martina Stažnik je licensed counseler  psychotherapist of cybernetic and system psychotherapy. 

She is a member of the Croatian Chamber of Psychotherapists.

She obtained her degree in Cybernetics and Systemic Psychotherapy at the School of Cybernetics and Systemic Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Psychiatry, KBC Rebro, and the Association for Cybernetics Psychotherapy and Organizations, Rijeka. The school is a member of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA) and the European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institute (EAPTI). She completed the professional education program Psychotherapy Propedeutics at Edward Bernays University College in Zagreb.

At the Faculty of Political Science in Zagreb, she earned a degree in Political Science, obtaining the title of university master’s degree in political science. Additionally, she successfully completed a two-year academic program in pedagogical, psychological, didactic, and methodological training (PPDMI) for professionals from non-teaching fields.

Points of You® Practicioner(2019.), Endorsed Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Kyriaki Polychroni, M.A., C.G.P., E.C.P., EFT Therapist/Supervisor (2016.),  Leading through Circle & Story by Ann Linnea i Christina Baldwin (2012.);  Warrior of the Heart training, (Interchange, 2012), Becoming Aware of the “I” in Dialogue (Orland Bishop facilitation 2012), Member of International Art of Hosting Network (2009.), Practicioner Diploma in Executive Coaching, accredit by ICF, EMCC, Middlesex University (2011.); Certificate of professional development; EU Information, Training and Scholarship Program, NZRCD&ECAS (2006.),; Mentor for Practical Quality Assurance System for Small  Organizations – SOKNO, Academy for Educational Development (2006.); Consultant in the area of  Citizen Participation, Local Government Reform Program, The Urban Institute i USAID (2001.), Betzavta Seminar for Future Multipliers, U.G. D@dalos (2005).