People come to me
with different requests
I don’t work with
There are some categories of queries that I don't work with. Learn more
Burnout
Work no longer brings joy, and rest does not restore.
Roadblock
You know what you want but you don’t know how to achieve it, or you undergo a big transformation in your life and you need to adapt.
Lack of motivation
You start things with enthusiasm, but quickly give up.
A feeling of meaninglessness
You move by inertia, but you don’t understand “why”.
Everything is fine, but there is no spark
There are no obvious problems, but you don’t feel like you are doing something important and revealing about yourself, leading to happiness.
Lack of clarity
It’s unclear how to prioritize activities at work, in health, in creativity, etc., in order to achieve your goals.
Confusion in methods
There are so many tips and methods, it’s not clear what will suit you.
Loss of control
Everything seems urgent and there is not enough progress anywhere.
And without specific requests
Clarify your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and find new directions for development.
Corporate Cooperation
For the past 4 years, I have been helping employees and teams at an international company (revenue $100 million) develop, improve professional performance, and find a work-life balance.
I would be happy to work with your team as a corporate coach! Please message me, and I will share program options and pricing.
I would be happy to work with your team as a corporate coach! Please message me, and I will share program options and pricing.
I don’t work with
People seeking advice rather than development
I believe that everyone should make independent and conscious decisions in their lives. I'm not a guru, but a support system on your path to your goals.
People with clinical depression or addiction
In these situations, it's best to start with psychotherapy and engage in coaching after the crisis has subsided.
I believe that everyone should make independent and conscious decisions in their lives. I'm not a guru, but a support system on your path to your goals.
People with clinical depression or addiction
In these situations, it's best to start with psychotherapy and engage in coaching after the crisis has subsided.
Our goal is not to squeeze you like a lemon; achievement mustn’t cost your mental health and integrity. Our goal is to reach new levels maintaining long-term motivation and mental wellbeing, while keeping close connection with reality and your personal values.
How I work
In every session we…
- identify harmful thinking and behavioral patterns;
- come up with a clear action plan;
- strengthen core motivational structures.
Case studies
The result of 8 sessions: We identified the reasons for the discrepancy between expectations and reality, arrived at a realistic level of creative activity that would satisfy the client, and found a place for it in N's busy schedule, which he still adheres to.
The result of 10 sessions: We identified the dynamics of the subpersonalities that were creating unrelieved tension. We developed a system of small daily actions that shifted attention from familiar triggers to unconventional ones. D noted a significant increase in vitality and shifted his focus to a new one: completing a long-planned project that he hadn't had the energy to tackle.
The result of 12 sessions: We identified the values and needs that the client's activities must meet to ensure she feels development, progress, and an improved quality of life. We developed a strategy that both facilitates progress in her current work and helps her simultaneously develop a backup plan. This reduced Y’s anxiety level so she was able to reassess her current goals and focus on the new direction.
The result of 8 sessions: We came up with strong images that resonated with the client’s core values. Driving from these images, we developed strategies of their implementation along with the conditions and timelines. S prioritized one of the strategies and is now confidently moving towards the first milestone; the sense of stagnation has been replaced by the feeling of growth.
I help to create the conditions to foster motivated growth that will immediately yield the first results, and as we gradually work at a depth that is comfortable for you, it will ensure profound transformation.
I combine the latest research in heutagogy and the fundamental principles of psychology and coaching
Fundamental coaching methods will give our sessions the necessary focus, leading to tangible results at various stages—from immediate benefits to strategic transformations.
Coaching
By combining fundamental, applied, and practical psychology, we will move at an optimal, non-traumatic pace, ensuring sustainable progress without burnout or regression.
Psychology
Heutagogical methods will allow us to develop motivation and development methods that work specifically for you, instead of ready-made recipes that theoretically worked for someone else.
Heutagogy
A new approach to adult learning based on activating independent strategies for acquiring new knowledge and development tools. The concept was formulated in 2000 by Stewart Hase and Chris Kenyon.
Новый подход к обучению взрослых, основанный на активации самостоятельных стратегий по добыче новых знаний и инструментов развития. Концепция была оформлена в 2000 г. Стюартом Хассе (Stewart Hase) и Крисом Кеньоном (Chris Kenyon).
My approach
A clear action plan after each session
How the sessions are conducted
02
We'll then identify your behavioral patterns and manage them so that your deepest motivation is strengthened rather than diminished. We'll dynamically monitor your results and correlate them with your values and environment to maintain connection with yourself and your surroundings.
We work dynamically
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You can come to me with a clear request or a vague feeling; in any case, we will first define the focus, connect the deep motivation, build an action plan, and conduct risk prevention against failure.
Defining the focus
- Systematize the chaos in your mind;
- Turn dreams and insights into action;
- Develop without strain, but steadily.
The process where you maintain agency and I facilitate:
Agency is the ability to consciously make decisions, act, and influence circumstances, rather than simply react to them. A person with this quality doesn't simply go with the flow, but rather sets the direction, because they understand what they want and find ways to achieve it.
Агентность – способность осознанно принимать решения, действовать и влиять на обстоятельства, а не просто реагировать на них. Человек с таким качеством не просто плывет по течению, а сам задает направление, потому что понимает чего хочет и находит способы этого достичь.
Heutagogic coaching is right for you even if:
Periodic sessions of heutagogical coaching act as “mental hygiene,” helping to refresh one’s perspective on a familiar situation and identify negative thinking patterns before they become a pronounced problem.
You are not facing any dead end at this time in your life
Unlike psychotherapy, which often focuses on working with the past, we work here and now to achieve results within the current circumstances, rather than analyzing personal history or deep emotional processes. You share only what you deem necessary to move forward.
You don't want to delve into the past or share secrets
During our work, we focus on your values and create a realistic plan with clear outcomes, so that each session brings clarity and progress, rather than becoming an endless process.
You are tired of generic success formulas and empty motivational speeches
My work is based on research in psychology, education, and neuroscience. You receive specific tools tailored to your situation and goals. These tools work in the real world, not just in theory.
You are skeptical of methods that are not supported by science
My name is Irina Strebkova
And I help people find clarity in their development – without violence against themselves and based on science.
I once heard the phrase, "It's best not to delve into the unconscious, otherwise you never know..." It deeply infuriated me. At that moment, I was filled with the certainty that my psyche was entirely my own and I had the right to control it completely. This inspired me to explore the psyche consciously, testing methods on myself and constantly refining my own skills as a heutagogue. This journey has helped me develop my own heutagogical method for working with people ready to reach new levels of development.
I am convinced that we can and must, through conscious effort, harmonize our unconscious and make our lives clearer and freer.
I am convinced that we can and must, through conscious effort, harmonize our unconscious and make our lives clearer and freer.
Education and experience
About me
Education and experience
PhD in Pedagogical Sciences (VSU, "Social Pedagogy"), Diploma in Teaching Psychology (VSPU), and TCTA Diploma in Transformational Coaching.
I began my career in academia: I taught at universities, worked as a tutor, and presented at Oxford (England), Niš (Serbia), and Da Nang (Vietnam). I later transitioned to EdTech, where for almost five years now I've been helping students and corporate teams unlock their potential and gain admission to top universities worldwide.
I began my career in academia: I taught at universities, worked as a tutor, and presented at Oxford (England), Niš (Serbia), and Da Nang (Vietnam). I later transitioned to EdTech, where for almost five years now I've been helping students and corporate teams unlock their potential and gain admission to top universities worldwide.
The principles I adhere to in my work
No empty "motivational speeches" and other info-hustling
Only concrete steps to create conditions that will develop you.
Complete confidentiality
All sessions are conducted in accordance with the ICF Code of Ethics.
Equal relations with the client
We work as partners: in dialogue, without instructions.
Non-traumatic impact on the individual
Only techniques that are complimentary to your psyche.
Cost of services
$45 USD
Individual online session
Get a 11% discount when you purchase a membership.
8 individual online sessions cost $320.
To purchase a membership, submit a request on Telegram or via email.
8 individual online sessions cost $320.
To purchase a membership, submit a request on Telegram or via email.
Sessions are held online via Zoom at a frequency tailored to your needs and at a pre-agreed time (I'm in the GMT+7 time zone).
But it can be shorter or longer depending on your needs - it’s more important that we reach an actionable insight then spend the fixed time on a call.
The session takes on average 45-50 minutes
Format
Reviews
Ilya B.
Game designer
Irina helps me unravel complex situations on both a practical and emotional level. During sessions, we find solutions to challenging issues, primarily related to creative processes and career development.
Irina's intellect, focus, and skills allow her to work with even the most complex situations, ideas, and people, highlighting the key points that…
Irina's intellect, focus, and skills allow her to work with even the most complex situations, ideas, and people, highlighting the key points that…
Marina K.
HR
Working with Irina as a coach not only helped me structure my life plans but also significantly improved my attention to detail and ability to organize my thoughts and actions. These skills allow me to move from constant theorizing, where I often got stuck, to concrete and consistent steps. Irina's thoughtfulness, deep analytical approach, and attention to detail helped me see important aspects of life…
Nikolay S.
Tester
We discussed pressing issues, identified problem areas, and outlined a course of action.
I think the most helpful thing was that we all spoke out loud, and I answered a number of questions that allowed me to see things from a different perspective.
I think the most helpful thing was that we all spoke out loud, and I answered a number of questions that allowed me to see things from a different perspective.
Svetlana B.
Perinatal psychologist
Irina, in the first session, I liked that we got to the core value, which I can use to create my own meanings. I appreciated your calm and accepting, yet firm and proactive, style of facilitating the session.
By the way, I've had great results in the second session. There's progress on both steps we outlined. The first point was partially resolved on the side where...
By the way, I've had great results in the second session. There's progress on both steps we outlined. The first point was partially resolved on the side where...
Elina S.
NCO employee
During my sessions with Irina, we identified aspects of my life that are causing me discomfort but which I've been unable to change for a long time. We discussed the factors preventing these changes and looked for ways to develop new behavioral strategies.
I haven't achieved everything yet, but after three sessions, I've made progress, and most importantly, I have a much clearer understanding of the meaning of my day...
I haven't achieved everything yet, but after three sessions, I've made progress, and most importantly, I have a much clearer understanding of the meaning of my day...
Olga Y.
Business Development
We structured my job search by identifying the key criteria that matter most to me. You helped me recognize where to focus my energy and what to let go of as less important. As a result, I now have a clear action plan that allows me to move forward with intention rather than uncertainty.
I really appreciated how you asked questions – they guided me to find my own answers instead of just waiting for "ready-made solutions"...
I really appreciated how you asked questions – they guided me to find my own answers instead of just waiting for "ready-made solutions"...
Amira Z.
Financial team lead
I have amazing coaching sessions with Irina, she is amazing! In our sessions, we dive deep into clarifying my goals and challenges, and I always walk away with clear, actionable steps. She provides both structure and flexibility, which helps me feel supported while still making real progress.
The most valuable part for me is how she brings clarity and perspective. She asks the right questions that make me reflect differently...
The most valuable part for me is how she brings clarity and perspective. She asks the right questions that make me reflect differently...
Answering frequently asked
Much depends on the scope of your request, but you will see the first results as early as the first session. Each session is aimed at gaining new insight about yourself and your situation, and at forming a clear plan of action that wasn't there before. A more substantial transformation, of course, requires time and effort, so the optimal period for analyzing results is generally set at the 8-session mark.
Our sessions are focused on working in the here-and-now to achieve results within your current circumstances, leading to gradual transformation. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is often oriented toward working with the past and the realm of feelings and emotions.
That said, there are areas of overlap. For instance, during coaching sessions, you will also be able to identify limiting behavioral patterns and eliminate them.
That said, there are areas of overlap. For instance, during coaching sessions, you will also be able to identify limiting behavioral patterns and eliminate them.
There are no restrictions. At every stage of life, we face challenges that require adaptation and development. Therefore, heutagogy and coaching are applicable at any age, and I have equal pedagogical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.
It's worth keeping in mind that for the work to be successful, the desire for self-development must come from within, not from the outside. A second important point is that heutagogical coaching is most beneficial for someone who is ready for discoveries and challenges. If you feel that the person you wish to gift the sessions to meets both of these criteria, then yes, I would be happy to take them on.
There are no direct contraindictions. However, in cases of clinical depression, trauma, or other mental health complications, it is better to combine our sessions with psychotherapy or undertake them after a course of psychotherapy for optimal results.
If you have a problem in your professional sphere, it means that you are the one who will solve it. My task is to help you find the tools and the strength to do so. Therefore, I don't need an in-depth understanding of your specific professional field; it is enough for me to understand the mechanisms of development and adapt them to your individual situation. This is precisely where my own professional expertise helps me.
