Finding Your Emotional Balance – Exclusive Interview with Valeriya Kovbuz

Today's fast-paced world often leads to stress and burnout, but professionals dedicated to helping individuals rebalance can offer assistance. Meet Valeriya Kovbuz, a mental well-being coach, advanced Transactional Analysis practitioner, and psychology Master's student from the University of Derby.

Valeriya developed the Tree of Balance as an approach that distills complex psychological concepts and converts them into practical everyday strategies. Drawing on her international coaching background and research expertise, Valeriya helps clients rediscover their strengths, establish emotional equilibrium, and build lasting resilience.

Valeriya discusses her distinctive approach, what drives her work, and where she sees emotional well-being heading in the future.

Valeriya Kovbuz, Mental Well-Being Coach

Tell us more about yourself and what distinguishes your work in the field.

I am a mental well-being coach and advanced Transactional Analysis practitioner currently finishing up my Master's in Psychology from the University of Derby. What I love most about my work is its combination of scientific research with real-world coaching and practical application.

My signature method, The Tree of Balance, takes complex psychological theory and simplifies it for everyday use. My primary focus is helping individuals build emotional resilience, reconnect with what makes them strong, and find their inner stability once more.

Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?

Yes. After working with clients who were completely overwhelmed and burned out, questioning their worth, and struggling with traditional approaches that tend to focus on what's wrong with people rather than what strengths they already possess. I wanted something different, something that highlighted what people already possess rather than just what could go wrong, leading me on this path that eventually resulted in The Tree of Balance.

What inspired the Tree of Balance method, and what makes it special?

My inspiration came from seeing people as living systems. This model embodies each ego-state as part of a tree, Parent, Adult, and Child. Roots symbolize the "Parent" ego-state, the trunk refers to the “Adult,” and the crown represents the "Child" ego-state. By assessing and strengthening each component separately and putting it back together, individuals can achieve a more balanced, resilient, and harmonious inner state. Instead of trying to fix what's broken, this method focuses on uncovering stability, foundation, and joy that already exist within.

What sets it apart from similar approaches is its unique ability to simplify complex psychological theory into a clear visual and practical framework that anyone can easily apply, from individuals seeking personal growth through coaching sessions and workshops to self-guided reflection tools.

How does your method address emotional and professional challenges?

My method not only helps the clients who are experiencing major life changes, burnout, intense pressure to succeed, or lost confidence, but is also widely used by colleagues, coaches, therapists, and business professionals. The Tree of Balance gives a visual way of understanding where they may need a balance adjustment. This approach includes mapping resources, guided reflection, as well as practical applications that support transformation potential.

Who benefits the most from your approach?

Since my approach is versatile enough to meet people from various countries, cultures, and industries, not limited to clinical settings alone, it connects with anyone seeking an approachable way of working on emotional well-being and inner balance.

What topics really resonate with your audiences at international events?

Burnout prevention, understanding ego-states, and rest are issues that consistently resonate with high-stress workers. I've spoken at events such as the Global Motherhood Leadership Summit 2025 and Ukraine's All-Ukrainian Family Camp on Transactional Analysis for four consecutive years on these subjects because they touch everyone equally.

How does your research affect your work?

My academic works aim to connect theory with actual coaching practice. For example, I wrote an article for the European Journal of Science, Innovation and Technology about incorporating coaching into Transactional Analysis, wrote an essay about emotional burnout among helping professionals, and explored ethical implications associated with AI use in mental health services. Each project not only adds to professional discourse, but it also allows me to refine how I work with clients.

Are you part of any professional communities? 

I belong to several international and national organizations, including the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA), the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA), the North American Transactional Analysis Association (NATAA), the International Coach Federation South Florida (ICF SFL), and the National Psychological Association of Ukraine (NPA).

What are your current goals and aspirations?

For now, my primary focus is finishing my book about The Tree of Balance, “You already have it: A practical approach to finding balance within”, scheduled for release in October 2025. My aim is to make it an accessible guide for both individuals and professionals alike. In addition, I'm conducting further research into how emotional literacy contributes to resilience to create more practical tools for both personal and organizational use.

What is the first thing a person can do to work toward emotional balance?

Start by simply observing yourself without making judgments about yourself. Notice your emotions, energy levels, and situations that give strength rather than drain you. Awareness is where change begins, while working with structured approaches, such as the Tree of Balance, can guide you toward long-term well-being.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more info!

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