CHRISTINA GRIVEA
REGISTERED COUNSELLOR
I was born in Greece where I attended an international school and spent most of my life living abroad. I spent 17 memorable years in the U.K where I studied, worked, had a family and in 2012 we transitioned to Geneva. Time slowed down and I had the privilege of watching my children grow up and eventually find a way to re-establish my career in Switzerland.
I am an accredited Psychologist, Counsellor and Trauma therapist who is passionate working with children and adults. I have worked both in public sector (Youth Offending Service) and in the private sector as a Forensic Psychologist.
I also work with Cancer Support Switzerland as a counsellor, supporting cancer patient's, their family and loved ones cope with the overwhelming feelings that come when being diagnosed with cancer and coping with the disease. I help the client deal with the stress and life changing impact it has on their life and family and also the possible stages of bereavement and grief. This organisation is very dear to me. Having been through my own personal and family experience with cancer it was life changing to find and be a part of Cancer Support Switzerland's community and its extraordinary heroes (please click on the link to see what services Cancer Support Switzerland offers and how it can help you).
In my private practice I have a particular interest in working with trauma, addictions, anxiety, transitions, bereavement, chronic illness. I am passionate about what I do and the most rewarding aspect of this job for me is witnessing the person's healing and growth.
Experience
I am a Counsellor in Switzerland registered with the Swiss Association for Counselling (SGfB). I completed my BSc Honours degree in Psychology and an MSc in Forensic Psychology back in the UK. Following that I obtained a certification in Humanistic Counselling Skills at the Gestalt Centre and an MSc in Psychosocial Counselling from Webster University. I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Play skills from Play Therapy International (PTI), I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and a NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Therapist. In the U.K I worked in private practice with young children and adults with particular focus on trauma and addiction. Simultaneously, for 10 years I supported young offenders who received prison sentences. I provided one-to-one support in HM Prisons for the youth that were struggling to settle in their prison sentences, that had experienced loss, separation, substance misuse and self-harming issues. In addition I worked closely with the victims of the crimes and their families. I am currently employed at Cancer Support Switzerland providing support for people impacted with cancer and their families. I run the Metastatic Stg 4 cancer group and Teen Support Group. Parallel to this I also have my own private practice in Eaux-Vives.
Qualifications
2023
NARM Master Therapist (NeuroAffective Relational Model)
2021
NARM Practitioner (NeuroAffective Relational Model)
2018-2021
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) (Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Institute)
2019
Bereavement and Loss (The Gestalt Centre)
2018-2020
MA in Counselling (Webster University)
2018-2020
Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (Leeds Beckett University, PTUK)
2005-2006
Certificate in Humanistic Counselling Skills (The Gestalt Centre)
2000-2002
MSc in Forensic Psychology (Middlesex University)
1997-2000
BSc Hons in Psychology, (Middlesex University)
Membership
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Swiss Association of Counselling (SGfB)
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American Counselling Association (ACA)
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Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Institute
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British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
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British Psychological Society (BPS)
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Play Therapy International (PTI)
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NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model)