About Us

The Institute for Relational-Integrative Psychotherapy of Serbia was founded out of deep respect for the work of Dr. Richard G. Erskine, the founder of Relationally-Oriented, Developmentally-Based Integrative Psychotherapy.

Our story began at his seminars and workshops organized by NATAS. The ideas he shared fundamentally changed the way we understood human functioning and the very essence of psychotherapy.

For the first time, someone was able to put into words the experiences that had been missing for us as psychotherapists who had developed within another modality – Transactional Analysis, which was also an important part of Richard’s own professional development. He offered a path toward deeper work from a developmental perspective, precisely at the points where we had often found ourselves stuck in our psychotherapeutic practice.

Each encounter with him deepened our understanding of the importance of a safe therapeutic relationship, attunement to the rhythm and relational needs of clients, and the recognition of the impact of cumulative neglect and abuse on human life and functioning.

Another pivotal moment for us was meeting Karen Cesarano, made possible through UTAS, an educational center that organized an outstanding workshop with her. Without her faith, dedication, and the steady, supportive guidance with which she led us through the process of bringing this Institute to life, our dream would not have become a reality. Through her expertise, warmth, and authentic presence, Karen ignited our enthusiasm and helped us believe that it was possible to create a space for Relational-Integrative Psychotherapy in Serbia as well.

With the support and blessing of Dr. Richard G. Erskine, and in collaboration with the publishing house Clio, we translated and published two of his books in Serbian:

Early Emotional Confusion – Relational Psychotherapy in Working with Borderline Clients (2023)

Withdrawal, Silence, Loneliness – Psychotherapy of the Schizoid Process (2024)

Guided by his words:

“An integrative psychotherapist is not something one is, but something one is continually becoming,”

we believe that personal and professional development are inseparably connected.

Our Institute cultivates a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for learning, exploration, and growth through training programs, supervision, psychotherapy marathons, and collegial supervision groups.

Our mission is for every person to feel seen, valued, and supported in developing their unique therapeutic identity – with mind, body, heart, and soul.

We are full members of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (IIPA), within which we contribute to the dissemination of its ideas through various activities. Today, we work with adults, couples, and groups in our psychotherapy practice in Belgrade.

Darja Pačevski and Bogdan Marković
Founders and Directors of the Institute for Relational-Integrative Psychotherapy of Serbia