Psychotherapist

About Me

My name is Nikolina Zhekova, most people call me Nina.
You can reach me here.

My academic and clinical background was shaped across Sofia and Paris.

I hold Master’s degrees in Psychoanalysis and Intercultural Mediation from Paris, and a Master’s in Philosophy
from Sofia University.

In addition, I’ve completed long-term professional trainings in Psychodrama Group Therapy and in Family Therapy.

I’m a member of the Bulgarian Association for Family Therapy
(BAFT) – www.baft.bg.

I consult in three languages - Bulgarian, English, and French.

Practice

Individual and Family/Couples Therapy on a wide range of issues, like:

- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Depressive states and trauma
- Personal and existential crises
- Relationship difficulties — between partners, with children, siblings and parents, and within extended families
- Identity and belonging, especially for people who feel “different” and experience difficulties in the mainstream integration

I have great respect for people who choose to engage in psychotherapy. From my observations, they are all emotionally perceptive, intellectually curious, and deeply reflective individuals. It’s both a responsibility and a privilege to accompany them in the process of meaningful change.

My approach is results-oriented, aiming at positive, lasting change. In most cases, a significant improvement is achieved
within 10 to 15 sessions.

Philosophy

I believe that our inner world is shaped by our childhood, the impact of family dynamics, education, social and cultural background, but also by our unique capability to project, invent and construct our own future. Each personality is a crossroad between fate and will. We all have the chance for ongoing improvement and it is a matter of personal choise to either write our own story or let circumstances write it for us.

Personal Life

I live in a long-term relationship and have a grown-up daughter. I’ve experienced encounters and separations, migrations and reintegrations — all of which have shaped my worldview in meaningful ways.

After 15 years of living in a different culture - Paris and Nice, I’ve come to understand the subtle feeling of being both a cosmopolitan and a stranger — abroad and at home. This journey has helped me approach each person with cultural awareness, an open mind, and without judgment.

Contribution 

While living in Paris, I co-founded the workshop “Philosophy and Culture” at the Françoise Minkowska Centre — a unique intercultural mental health organization that provides a native speaking psychotherapist for each client, regardless of origin.

I’ve also translated a few professional titles from French into Bulgarian, including:

- Key Stages of Childhood – Françoise Dolto
- The First Seven Years: Small and Big Problems – What to Say, What to Do? – Christine Brunet & Anne-Cécile Sarfati
- 60 Activities to Do with My Baby – The Montessori Way – Marie-Hélène Place