Who I Work With

Feeling stuck? You’re in the right place.

Maybe your mind feels like it has 30 tabs open at once—school, relationships, expectations, decisions, and the future all competing for your attention.

You know you want things to feel different, but you’re not always sure where to begin.

Whether you’re a teen, emerging adult, expat, woman pregnant (or considering pregnancy) after loss or a parent supporting your teen, coaching can help you find clarity, recognize your strengths, and take meaningful next steps.

a woman holding her head in her hands

You choose where the light falls —and what it reveals.

Areas I support

These are the most common topics my clients address through coaching with me:

My Clients

Smiling student holding book and wearing headphones, ready for study.

Late teens

Ages 15-18

Being a teen can feel like a lot. School, friendships, family, social media—and trying to figure out who you are. Coaching helps you make sense of it all, build confidence, and feel better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.

Academic:

pressure, motivation, procrastination, college/career orientation

Identity:

purpose, self-esteem, confidence

Relationships:

boundaries, assertiveness, loneliness and belonging)

Self-care:

people pleasing, perfectionism, coping with self-criticism and negative thoughts)

Who am I — and why does it feel so confusing?

How do I balance school, expectations, and having a life?

How do I stop trying to be who everyone else wants me to be?

What are my strengths and goals?

How are relationships with friends and family impacting my life?

Four colleagues smiling and shaking hands in a bright office setting.

Emerging Adults

Ages 19-29

Early adulthood comes with big transitions that don’t always go the way you expected. Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, resilience coaching helps you gain clarity, build confidence, and move forward with purpose.

(career)

purpose & direction, professional development, decision-making, networking / interviewing

(identity)

purpose, self-esteem, confidence

(relationships)

boundaries, assertiveness, loneliness and belonging

(self-care)

people pleasing, perfectionism, coping with self-criticism and negative thoughts, work/school vs. life balance, burnout

Why does everyone else seem ahead while I feel stuck?

Am I on the right path — or just avoiding disappointing people?

What’s most important to me?

Where do I see myself in the future—what’s my purpose?

Confident young lady in casual wear carrying heavy carton boxes with toys and looking away while leaving old house

Expat Youth

Ages 15-29

Starting over in a new country can feel exciting, lonely, and overwhelming—all at once. As an expat who’s been there myself, I’ll help you navigate the ups and downs, adjust with confidence, and create a life abroad that feels like home, whether you’re staying for a few months or many years.

(academic/career)

discovering or rediscovering purpose & direction, college or career exploration, navigating a new system, networking / interviewing

(identity)

purpose, self-esteem, confidence, cultural assimilation

(relationships)

boundaries, assertiveness, social assimilation, loneliness and belonging

(self-care)

coping with uncertainty, managing transition stress, overadaption (people pleasing)

Why do I feel like I don’t fully belong anywhere?

Why does starting over feel harder than it looks?

How do I build confidence when everything feels unfamiliar?

How do I connect with people when I’m tired of explaining myself?

How do I plan my future when my life doesn’t fit one system or country?

A pregnant woman in a lace dress gently cradling her belly in an outdoor setting.

Pregnancy after Loss

Pregnancy or considering pregnancy after loss can be excruciatingly difficult.  Coming from a place of deep empathy, compassion, and lived experience, I am here to support you learn to better manage negative thoughts and emotions so you can get through pregnancy milestones with more calm and possibly even hope.

(emotions)

holding grief and hope simultaneously, reclaiming agency, coping with fear and negative thoughts, preparing for appointments (or labor), feeling disconnected from pregnancy, building resilience regardless of outcome

(relationships)

improving communication with partner, setting boundaries around pregnancy conversations,
deciding what to share and with whom, loneliness and belonging

How do I cope with constant worry and “what ifs”?

Why do I feel disconnected from this pregnancy — and is that okay?

How do I get through pregnancy milestones without panic taking over?

How do I handle friends and family when I don’t feel understood or supported?

Am I ready to try for another pregnancy, despite my fears?

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

– Albert Einstein

Coaching may be 

A GOOD FIT

for you if…

Coaching may

NOT BE SUITABLE

for you if…

Even though they do overlap in some areas (like identifying thought patterns and learning coping skills), coaching does not replace therapy.

Clients about me

I decided to coach with Marija because I needed someone to guide me through things I didn’t feel comfortable discussing with others. Marija’s great questions made me think in ways I hadn’t before and allowed me to open up and relax in order to resolve some inner questions.

—Tina M. (24)

Marija’s slow and gentle approach and very positive energy helped me find the strength to start my own change. As a coach, she was a very good match for me.

—Ema P. (23)

Before working with you, I felt stuck in my negative thinking, but there were some very personal experiences in my life that increased that.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to get rid of all of it because some of that is normal, but I didn’t want it to be a huge obstacle for me and starting my busines.  You were able to take that and help me see other positive aspects of my mindset and increase my awareness of that.  Then you were able to help me with other mindset struggles.  I am super grateful for our coaching sessions together.

—Kim K. (55)

FAQ

How do I know if I need coaching or therapy?

While there are some similarities, coaching is not a replacement for therapy if mental health issues are present. Both support clients through life’s challenges, However, a therapist can give advice and prescribe medication while life coaches support self-exploration through listening and powerful questioning without giving advice. Therapy tends to focus on the past while coaching focuses on the present and future. Coaching can be complimentary to therapy or an excellent next step after therapy. For clients who have experienced pregnant loss, coaching supports emotional wellbeing and values-based living; it doesn’t replace therapy for unresolved trauma or clinical depression.

Why is a human life coach better than AI?

AI can offer insights and suggestions, but it can’t replace understanding that comes from human experience. Coaching is built on real connection, trust, and emotional awareness — the kind that motivates change in a way no algorithm can. A coach adapts support, accountability, and encouragement to the person, not just the data.

Do you work with clients who are not within the age range you have listed (15-30)?

Age ranges are listed purely as a guideline, not a hard rule. If you’re a bit younger or older than the ages listed, it doesn’t automatically mean we’re not a fit. What matters most is where you are in life, what you’re navigating right now, and whether my coaching approach feels supportive for you.

If you’re unsure, I encourage you to get in touch or book a free discovery call. We can explore your situation together and see if working together makes sense—or I can help point you in a more suitable direction if needed.

Do you work with international clients?

Yes, I work with international clients from all over the world. Coaching sessions are held online, which makes it easy to connect regardless of your location or time zone. My approach is especially well-suited for people navigating cross-cultural experiences, international education paths, expat life, or big life transitions.

Is everything I share kept private?

Yes. Everything shared in coaching is treated as confidential and with respect. The only exceptions are situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others. Before our coaching begins, you will sign a Coaching Agreement which also includes a confidentiality clause.

Where are sessions held?

Sessions are conducted via Microsoft Teams (or Zoom) in pre-arranged appointments. Live coaching at a physical location can also be arranged by request.

What do coaching sessions look like?

Coaching is client-led which means the client sets the direction of the work. 

Each 45 minute coaching session (aside from intake and closing which are 60 minutes) is structured with a clear beginning, middle and end ensuring that clients’ progress can be measured. As a complimentary service, the coach can offer gentle, weekly check-ins / reminders in between sessions.

For more details, read ”The Process” section on the How coaching works page here on my website.

Can coaching sessions be held in Croatian?

Yes, we can work in either Croatian or English — the choice is entirely yours.

Working in English is a fantastic option if you want to combine personal growth with building your language confidence in a safe, supportive environment. For those who would like an extra focus on language skills, an add-on language support package is also available to help you speak more fluently and express yourself with ease.

What if my topic isn’t listed on the coaching website?

That’s completely okay. Coaching is client-led, which means we focus on what matters most to you — even if it’s not listed anywhere.

What if I reach my goal before the end of the coaching package?

That’s a good thing. We can either set new goals, use the remaining sessions for deeper support, or adjust the plan so it continues to serve you.

What if I don’t know which coaching package/duration to choose?

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.

Many clients are unsure of which package or duration is right for them. That’s exactly what the free discovery call is for. We’ll talk through your goals, challenges, and current situation, and I’ll help you choose the option that best supports you—without any pressure.

You can also start with a shorter package and continue with a new package or individual sessions whenever you need additional support.

Coaching is meant to meet you where you are, not lock you into something you’re unsure about.

What if I reach my goal before the end of the coaching package?

That’s a good thing. We can either set new goals, use the remaining sessions for deeper support, or adjust the plan so it continues to serve you.

How does payment work?

Coaching packages are paid in advance before the first session. 

We’ll discuss the package options, payment details, and next steps during your free discovery call.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel a session?

Before we begin, all clients sign a Coaching Agreement that outlines scheduling expectations. I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for rescheduling or cancellations. I always aim to be flexible and accommodate changes where possible; cancellations with less notice may be charged.

What if I need to take a break from coaching?

Life happens. Trust me, with three small kids, I know. You’re always allowed to pause. We can slow down, reschedule, or take a break and return when it feels right for you.

 Still have a question? Contact me or book a free discovery call!