About Us

Ivana International, a small private business established by Ivana Straska (formerly Szakal) has evolved from her professional and personal experience.

Ivana has been working as a psychotherapeutic counsellor since the year 2008. At the same year, she collaborated with one of the largest counselling services in Ontario, Dalton Associates. Helping people experience the greatest possible fulfillment, her practice grew bigger over time. In Ontario, she also associated with GTA Psychological Services and Dr. Bodnar & Associates. Currently residing in Yorkshire, England, Ivana has extended her work in delivering customised training.

Ivana harvested her knowledge and personal experience, and in the year 2017 published her series of self-help books & audio tracks The Strongest You. The series helps individuals find control and strength during difficulties. In her response to continually increasing mental ill health, Ivana has created a series of workshops, Resilience and Stress Management. She has also created a simple, free, web resource called Feel-Good.

After finishing her university studies, Ivana worked for the National Bank of Slovakia as an Educational Project Manager at the Institute of Banking Education. In continuing professional development, she completed courses in behavioural science, autism, cognitive behaviour therapy, cognitive processing, and mindfulness.

Ivana is a good standing member of The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (formerly OACCPP) since 2008, and has continued to accumulate vast experience in psychotherapeutic counselling of adults suffering from mood and anxiety disorders, stress & PTSD, behavioural & emotional management.

What Past Clients Say

(Names omitted to protect confidentiality)

… My life has had a lot of ups and downs. Every up is taking me higher though I am becoming more aware of myself and you truly are the reason I am awakening. I still fondly think of you and actually speak about you quite often. I hope you’re doing well! … Sending you love and positive vibes!"

~M. M., Toronto

“Ivana, thank you so much for yesterday, I feel really good today and able to concentrate and be more productive at work. I’m not sure what nerve you hit but it really helped. I have not spoken to my mother yet but will do so without making it seem like she’s to blame, I feel a little more at peace today… I hope this continues. Again, I just wanted to thank you so much and look forward to seeing you soon. If there is any advice you can give me in the interim that would be great."

.~A. R., Etobicoke

“I am a much happier and calmer person than I used to be. Thank you so much.”

~Jane H., Toronto

“Thank you from my heart! Your techniques are very uplifting and eye-opening.”

~Mark L., Mississauga

“I must share with you that I had a good night’s rest at last! Our session yesterday must have done the trick in relaxing me and allowing me to feel what needed to be felt. I managed to get some work done before going to bed and slept through the night. Thank you for your listening skills and for introducing me to tapping! This is a new technique which at first felt a bit odd, but essentially works wonders!! My mood is positive, my energy level is higher I feel rested. Again, thank you!!”

~N. A. C., Mississauga

“We have received such positive feedback from the school about her progress, we are so pleased… I hope you know how appreciative we are of all the work you have done with our daughter to help get her to the point of where she is now. We are so pleased with all that you have done with her and we know we couldn’t have done it without you!!!”

~B. F., Oakville

Testimonials

(Please also check "What Past Clients Say")