Psychologist Irina Iakovleva, founder of the Radha Vedic Center in Mallorca, believes happiness is something that can be learned. After building a successful career in economics, she changed paths completely — turning to psychology and later immersing herself in India’s Vedic traditions. Today, she combines scientific psychology with ancient wisdom to help people heal their relationships, overcome addictions, and rediscover a sense of harmony.

“I scan everything — how a person speaks, what they say, how they move, where they look,” she explains. Her method, grounded in ontopsychology, seeks to reconnect people with the healthy, natural part of themselves — the source of balance and joy.

Later this month, Irina will host a five-day Transformational Retreat on the island with Guru Yogesh Kumar Goswami from India. She’s also the creator of Leela, a unique self-discovery game that blends psychology, symbolism, and intuition to help players see their inner world more clearly. “There’s no limit to growth,” she says. “And that inspires me.”

Where were you born, and how did your journey begin?

I was born and went to school in Belarus. Later, I studied in St. Petersburg and Moscow. My first degree was in economics — I graduated with honours and built a career.

But one day, while on vacation in Italy, I couldn’t help asking a local man who seemed so happy, “Do you have a school subject called Happiness? Do you study it?” I was sure Italians were happier than we were. He laughed for a long time.

When I came home, I realised something had to change. Soon after, I discovered a new course at St. Petersburg University: ontopsychology. The professors explained, “The subject of study is the happy person.” I had no doubts — this was exactly what I needed!

You’ve studied many branches of psychology. How would you describe your approach now?

Yes, over the years I’ve explored many fields — existential and humanistic psychology, family and systemic constellations, psychoanalysis, gestalt, cognitive-behavioural therapy, sandplay therapy, and art therapy. Now I work integratively, choosing the right tools for each client depending on their request and inner dynamics.

How did India enter your life?

It was only a matter of time. I arrived in Vrindavan, the centre of Vedic culture, right in the middle of the pandemic and I stayed there for a year. There, I met Maharaj — a Brahmin, teacher, and guru — who became a close friend. People ask what I did there, and I simply answer: I talked with Maharaj. We spent hours drinking tea, walking, going on parikramas, studying my horoscope, and performing yajnas — sacred fire ceremonies. It felt like another life altogether, full and rich in every way.

What brought you to Mallorca?

After India, I was searching for a place to “drop anchor.” An astrologer once told me I should live near a large body of water — ideally, on an island. That stayed in my mind.

I remembered my Spanish friends’ stories about Mallorca and thought maybe this was the place. I had lived in Barcelona before but had never been to the Balearic Islands. I watched every video I could find about Mallorca — and decided: it’s time.

It wasn’t love at first sight. The island revealed itself gradually, and continues to do so, more deeply each time. This is love, not infatuation.

Who are your clients?

People who are truly interested in themselves. They live all over the world — in the U.S., Italy, Ukraine, Spain, Russia, Switzerland — and of course here in Mallorca, where I can meet them in person.

What kind of problems do people come to you with?

All kinds, but my main focus is relationship and addiction psychology. People often come with the question: “How can I be happy?”

How do you see the essence of someone’s problem so quickly?

I scan everything — how a person speaks, what they say, why they say it, how they move, where they look, their tone and train of thought. All of this is the language of the unconscious.

Another key concept in ontopsychology is the semantic field. I read information from that field. It’s a hypothesis, of course, but it often proves to be accurate.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Seeing transformation. Watching how a client’s face changes — their eyes become brighter, their shoulders relax, they start to breathe freely again. When everything inside them falls into place and they begin to choose what truly suits them, that’s harmony. And that harmony is the true result of our work together.

What do people heal thanks to your help?

They heal relationships — with partners, children, and relatives — and overcome addictions. Some quit smoking, others stop drinking.

The key is restoring inner harmony. When a person reconnects with the healthy part of their personality, everything else begins to align: relationships, work, communication, even finances.

How did you start leading the transformational game Leela?

It began with my sister, who had stage 4 cancer. She resisted therapy, and I wanted to find a way to reach her. The idea of Leela — a game that mirrors life — came to me then.

After leading the first session, I felt as if my whole life had led me to it. Leela allows me to combine academic knowledge, psychological experience, and intuitive connection to the field. Sometimes during the game, I play a song or recommend a book, and people are amazed at how precisely it reflects their inner state.

Each Leela is unique. People often say that one game can replace six months of psychotherapy.

What are you most proud of in your life?

That I have no doubts about my path, my profession, or my purpose. I empathise with those still searching — it’s not easy — but I’m grateful that I know where I’m headed. There’s no limit to growth, and that inspires me.

What is your main goal in life?

To create spaces where people can feel authentic and alive — through practice, through aesthetics, through knowledge.

That’s what I’m building with Radha Retreats & Rituals, a centre of Vedic wisdom, yoga, and transformational practices. Its mission is to unite psychology and Vedic philosophy to bring harmony to body, mind, and spirit — helping people heal, unlock their inner potential, and achieve wholeness.

What are your plans for this year?

From 19–23 November, we’ll host a Transformational Retreat here in Mallorca with Guru Yogesh Kumar Goswami, a hereditary Brahmin from Vrindavan. It will be five days of spiritual and physical renewal — yoga, meditation, astrology sessions, and sacred Vedic rituals — all designed to restore balance and awaken inner harmony.

You can register for the retreat on the website. Use the promo code HUMANSOFMALLORCA to get a 10% discount on your ticket.