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Today we share the story of Annie Draganova - psychologist and psychotherapist. . Annie has been part of the Single Step Foundation team since its founding in 2017, starting her journey as a volunteer on the online chat. She is currently leading the online support group for young people across the country.
I still remember my first meeting with Single Step - interviewing to be a volunteer. I had received an email from the university that the organization was starting up and they were looking for volunteers. This opportunity came shortly after a very pivotal and heartfelt conversation, namely the disclosure of someone very close to me. I never thought for a moment that this would change our relationship. On the contrary, I was happy that she finally opened up and lifted this "burden" off her shoulders. I just wanted to better understand what he was going through and contribute what I could to make him feel more accepted and understood in our society. That's how I took on the cause of Single Step as a personal one.
Anna Zhukivskaya, manager of the psychological support program, shares her impressions of Annie:
„Since Annie Draganova's first professional steps in 2017, as part of the first wave of volunteers to the Foundation's online chat in support of LGBTI youth, she has asserted herself as a professional who is extremely dedicated in the support she provides. Annie has always been an integral part of the team of volunteers and then as the host of the online support group for LGBTI youth across the country."
Online support group
7 years later Annie Draganova is leading the fifth season of the online support group for young people.
„I know that all the effort during this time has been worth it. Some of the participants have been part of the group since the beginning. During these already 5 years they have grown emotionally and overcome many challenging situations with the constant support and sense of continuity we have built together in the group. One of the proofs of the success of the group is the positive feedback I receive from the participants.“
Uniquely positive people and you can definitely feel the atmosphere and the support that is shown.
I cherish the friendships I have made and the safe space to share.
I feel I can safely share experiences and get advice on topics that are often "taboo" in Bulgaria, but really should be the norm.
Nelly Tsvetkova, psychologist at Single Step and leader of the support groups in Sofia, talks about her work with Annie over the years:
„Annie is a wonderful person and professional who is always enjoyable and enriching to work with. Sunny, supportive and creative in her work, Annie is a wonderful facilitator of both groups and individual work.“
Group participants share:
„Annie is an extremely patient, organised and pleasant person. A great professional."
"Annie is dedicated, she is predisposing. A wonderful person and professional who is able to direct your gaze in directions that have eluded you before. I thank her for everything over the past years."
„Annie's presence makes the environment extremely calm and pleasant for everyone and I personally think she is an extremely kind soul who puts herself in the shoes of others in whatever situation they describe."
Our team, our mission and our constant desire to develop are a true inspiration. We don't just want change to happen, we work towards making it happen!"
In recent years, Annie returned to her hometown and began developing her private practice as a psychologist in Burgas.
We at Single Step are proud of the success of the psychological support network in Bulgaria and are proud that Annie continues to develop and expand her practice while working for the well-being of the LGBTI community in Bulgaria. On this occasion Anna Zhukivskaya shares:
„I have been fortunate to see Annie Draganova's development for 7 years as part of the organisation and I am sure that as a professional in private practice in Burgas, she will continue to support in an effective and systematic way the people who seek her out.“
If you are looking for someone to share your excitement, worries and thoughts with, Annie Draganova is here to help. For more information you can check out her website – https://draganova.bg/.
