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Professional Biography
Desa is a Professor in Systemic Psychotherapy. She is a UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) registered systemic psychotherapist and supervisor and COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) accredited psychosexual therapist and supervisor.
Desa has extensive experience of working as a member of multidisciplinary teams in a broad range of mental health contexts and with the experience of teaching psychotherapy courses at post graduate levels since 1991.
Qualifications
- DPsych; Clinical Doctorate in Psychotherapy, University of London Birkbeck College 2007
- PG Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy, Sheffield Hallam University 2005
- PG Diploma in Systemic Teaching, Training & Supervision, Kensington Consultation Centre 2005
- MSc in Psychological Counselling, University of Surrey 1998
- PG Diploma in Systemic Psychotherapy, Kensington Consultation Centre, Roehampton Institute 1992
- BA (Hons) in Clinical Psychology, University of Philosophy Belgrade 1973
Relevant Past Employment
- The School of Life, Clinical Director since September 2022, ongoing
- Head of Psychotherapy & Counselling Regent’s University London 2016-2020
- Programme Director Psychotherapy & Counselling Regent’s University London 2009-2016
- National Academy for Parenting Practitioners (NAPP) King’s College Principal Trainer 2007 – 2008
- Institute of Family Therapy (IFT) Assistant Director and Director of Training 2000 – 2004
- RELATE Senior Practice Consultant 1998 – 2000
- Kensington Consultation Centre (KCC) Senior tutor and supervisor 1992 – 2000
- Central School of Counselling and Therapy (CSCT) Senior tutor and Senior mentor 1996-1998
- Family therapist in NHS trusts (Enfield, Pathfinder, Thameslink) 1994-2000
Selected Publications
- Markovic, D. (2021). Aspects of Reading. Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice, Vol. 3 (2), p. 129-136.
- Markovic, D. (2020). The Pie of Desire: A Case Study. The Journal of Family Therapy Association of Ireland.
- Markovic, D. (2019). Knowing Systemic Rules Revisited. Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice. Vol. 2 (2).
- Markovic, D. (2019). ‘Sexual compulsivity’, ‘addictions’, or ‘hypersexuality’: an overview of contrasting perspectives.’ Journal of Psychological Therapies, 4(2), pp. 120-130. Regent’s University London.
- Murmurations Journal Vimeo Channel (2018). Desa Markovic discusses Systemic Sex Therapy with Amanda Middleton. Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice.
- Markovic, D. (2018). Systemic approach to working with issues of sexualities and sexual relationships. BPS Psychotherapy Section review 62, Winter.
- Burchill, J., Markovic, D. (2018). How do People Understand their Engagement in Sado-Masochistic Sexual Activities? Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology Reflections 3(1), pp. 23-28. Regent’s University London.
- Markovic, D. (2017). Working with Sexual Issues in Psychotherapy. A Practical Guide Using a Systemic Social Constructionist Framework. Palgrave Macmillan
- Luca, M., Markovic, D., Lečbych, M., & Kolarik, M. (2017). Clinical Supervisors’ Handling of Sexual Attraction in the Work of Therapists They Supervise. Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology Reflections. Regent’s University London.
- Koufou, I., Markovic, D. (2017). E-therapy: The Psychotherapists’ Perspective – A Phenomenological Inquiry. Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology Reflections. Regent’s University London.
- Lečbych, M., Kolarik, M., Luca, M., & Markovic, D. (2016). How Czech supervisors engage in the supervisory process on sexual attraction and strategies used to supervise sexual attraction in the work of supervisees. Polish Journal of Applied Psychology
- Markovic, D. (2016). Systemic Psychosexual Therapy: A Guided Tour. Chapter in: G. Simon & I. McCarthy (Eds): Systemic Therapy as Transformative Practice. Everything is Connected Press.
- Stanley, S., Markovic, D. (2016). Stress in the City: Behind the Scenes of the Corporate Machine: a Phenomenological Inquiry. Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology Reflections. Regent’s University London.
- Kosar, A., Markovic, D. (2016). “Home, Home, Bitter Sweet Home”, an Exploration of the Experience of Voluntary Migration. Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology Reflections. Regent’s University London.
- Wylie, K., Markovic, D. & Hallam-Jones, R. (2015).Inhibited Arousal in Women, Chapter 9 in: K.M. Hertlein, G.R. Weeks, N. Gambescia (Eds). Systemic Sex Therapy. (2nd ed). Routledge New York.
- Markovic, D. (2015). Multidimensional Open Sex Therapy, Anthology of International Conference of Expressive Therapies. Palacky University, Czech Republic.
- Markovic, D. (2014). Systemic Family Therapists’ Narratives on Sexual Attraction in their Clinical Practice. A Narrative Analysis. Chapter 15 in: M. Luca (Ed): Sexual Attraction in Therapy: Beyond the Taboo- A Guide for Training and Practice. Wiley – Blackwell.
- Markovic, D. (2013). Multidimensional Sex Therapy: A Model of Integration between Sexology and Systemic Therapy, Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol.28, Number 4. Routledge.
- Markovic, D. (2012). Psychosexual Therapy in Sexualised Culture; A Systemic perspective. Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol. 27, Number 2. Routledge.
- Markovic, D. (2010). Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Can it be Treated by Drugs? Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol. 25 Issue 3. Routledge.
- Markovic, D. (2010). A Case of Enhancing Sexual Confidence: Both the Client and the Therapist are the Experts. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.
- Hildebrand, J., Markovic, D. (2007). Systemic Therapists' Experience of Powerlessness. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.
- Markovic, D. (2007). Working with Sexual Issues in Systemic Therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.
- Markovic, D (then Radovanovic). (1994) Knowing Systemic Rules: From Stages of Disorder to Second Order towards Positive Delinquency. Human Systems. Leeds Family Therapy and Research Centre and Kensington Consultation Centre.
- Markovic, D (then Radovanovic). (1994). Prisoners of Identity: Interview with Dr Gianfranco Cecchin, Human Systems. Leeds Family Therapy and Research Centre and Kensington Consultation Centre.
- Markovic, D. (1989). Counselling Youth Offenders and Their Families in a Statutory Agency. Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Markovic, D. (1989). Only Gurus Offer Tickets to Paradise: Interview with John Weakland. Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Markovic, D. (1989). Effects of Divorce on Families; a Research Study. Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Markovic, D. (1989). Applicability of Family Therapy in Family Service Units, a Research Study, Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Markovic, D. (1989). Education and Supervision in Family Therapy, Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Markovic, D. (1988). A Qualitative Research Study of Divorce Related Issues in a Family Service Unit, Social Policy. Institute of Social Policy, Belgrade.
- Gacic, B., Markovic, D. (1984). Fundamental Principles of Family Therapy. Journal of Mental Health. Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade.
Research Supervision
- Director of Studies for Professional Doctorate in Psychology at Regent’s University London
- Supervision of MA dissertations in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent's University London
- Over the past years completed supervision of over fifty MSc dissertations in systemic family psychotherapy.
Research Interests
- Psychosexual therapy
- Case Studies in Couple and Family therapy
- Qualitative research methods, in particular Discourse Analysis and Narrative Analysis
Grants Awarded
HASS Faculty research grants for presenting at:
- World Association of Sexual Health Mexico City 2019
- European Federation of Sexology Conference Albufeira 2018
- World Association of Sexual Health Conference Prague 2017
- World Association of Sexual Health Conference Singapore 2015
- World Association of Sexual Health Conference Brazil 2013
- Society for Psychotherapy Research Oxford 2013
- Society for Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration Barcelona 2013
- European Federation of Sexology Madrid 2012
- World Association of Sexual Health Conference Glasgow 2011
- North American Society for Psychotherapy Research Canada 2011
IPO (International Partnerships Office) grant for presenting at:
- International Conference of Expressive Psychotherapies Olomouc, Czech Republic 2014.
Professional Affiliation(s)/Accreditation
- Sheffield Society for the Study of Sexual Relationships (SSSSR) Fellowship awarded in 2014 for contribution to sexology
- Senior Fellowship of Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) awarded in 2014
- College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy (COSRT) member of accreditation panel 2014
- College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy (COSRT) accreditation as psychosexual supervisor 2012
- Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) member since 2010
- European Federation of Sexology (EFS) member since 2010
- College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy (COSRT) accreditation as psychosexual therapist 2006
- World Association of Sexual Health (WAS) member since 2005
- Association of Family Therapy (AFT) panellist on Accreditation committee 2002-2006
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) registration 1993
- AFT member since 1991
Other Outputs
- Markovic, D. (2004). Remembering Gianfranco Cecchin. Context, Association of Family Therapy UK.
- Markovic, D. (2003). Aspects of Reading: Critique and Reflexivity, Institute of Family Therapy London.
- Markovic, D. (1998).Empowering the Silent. Counselling News. Central Course Consultants Ltd.
- Markovic, D., Mc Carey, N. (1996). Systemic Therapy with Couples and Families. St. Georges Mental Health Library, Conference Series. St. George’s Hospital Medical School.
- Markovic, D. (1995).Consulting Couples; Workshop by John Burnham. Context, Association of Family Therapy UK.
Conference Papers Given
- EFTA (European Family Therapy Association) Conference Naples October 2019 invited plenary speaker: ‘Catching Up with Sex and Sexualities’.
- WAS (World Association of Sexual Health) Mexico City October 2019: ‘Paraphilias: A challenge for DSM’.
- 'Paraphilias: Contrasting Perspectives’: EFS (European Federation of Sexology) Albufiera Portugal 2018.
- 'A Model of Integration between Sexology and Systemic Social Constructionist Psychotherapy’: World Association for Sexual Health Prague 2017.
- 'Multidimensional Open Systemic Sex Therapy’: UKCP Research Conference London 2017.
- ‘Sexsomnia: A Challenge for Clients and Clinicians Alike’: World Association for Sexual Health Singapore 2015.
- ‘Clinical Supervisors’ Handling of Sexual Attraction in the Work of Therapists they Supervise’: UKCP Research Conference London 2015.
- ‘Clinical Supervisors’ Handling of Sexual Attraction in the Work of Therapists they Supervise’: Regent's University London Reflections Centre Research Conference London 2015.
- ‘Multidimensional Open Sex Therapy’: plenary speaker International Conference of Expressive Therapies Olomouc Czech Republic 2014.
- ‘Multidimensional Sex Therapy’: World Association of Sexual Health Brazil 2013.
- ‘Systemic Therapists’ Narratives on Sexual Attraction in Their Clinical Practice: A Narrative Analysis’: Society for Psychotherapy Research Oxford 2013.
- ‘Multidimensional Psychosexual Therapy’: Society for Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration Barcelona 2013.
- ‘A Model of Integration between Sexology and Systemic Psychotherapy’: European Federation of Sexology Madrid 2012.
- ‘Psychosexual Therapy in Sexualised Culture’: COSRT Annual Conference London 2011.
- ‘A Model of Integration between Systemic and Psychosexual Therapy': North American Society for Psychotherapy Research Canada 2011.
- ‘The Pie of Desire: An Intervention in Collaborative Psychosexual Therapy': World Association of Sexual Health Glasgow 2011.
- ‘Challenging Dominant Discourses in Sexuality': keynote speak Joint Conference Relate and Institute of Family Therapy London 2010.
- ‘Systemic Sex Therapy with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: A Different Model': World Association of Sexual Health Goteborg 2009.
- ‘Disorders of Desire: Can They be Treated by Drugs': plenary speaker European Congress of Sexual Medicine Lisbon 2007.
- ‘Some Ethical Dilemmas of a Psychotherapist': plenary speaker International Psychotherapy Congress Belgrade 2006.
- ‘Teenagers' Sexuality': BASRT Annual Conference London 2005.
- ‘The Self of a Sexology Professional': World Association of Sexology Montreal 2005.
Teaching & Course Development
Teaching experience:
- MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling and on Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy at Regent's University London 2009-ongoing
- MA in Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapy Porterbrook Clinic Sheffield 2005-2014
- MA in Systemic Family Therapy Institute of Psychiatry (King’s College) 1995-2010
- MSc in Systemic Family Therapy Institute of Family Therapy 1998-2004
- MSc in Systemic Family Therapy Kensington Consultation Centre 1992-2000
Course development:
- Systemic and Psychosexual Therapy Module on the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy on Systemic and Psychosexual Approaches, Regent's University London, 2011
- Systemic Module on MA in Sexual and Relationship Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University 2005
- Advanced Diploma in Systemic Psychotherapy Belgrade Serbia 2001
- MSc in Systemic Management at Birkbeck College 2001
- Diploma in Supervision at CSCT 1997
Examining
- External Examiner for Advanced Diploma in Systemic Supervision Parkview Children’s Hospital Birmingham 2013
- External Examiner for Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice Bedfordshire University 2012
- External examiner on Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at University of West London Bristol 2011
- Examiner for PhD in Psychotherapy and Professional Doctorate in Psychology at Regent's University London 2010-ongoing
- External Examiner for Graduate Certificate and Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice with Individuals, Couples and Families with University of London Birkbeck College 2009-2013