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, met my husband and had our children and in 2012 we moved 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 Psychosocial Counsellor who is passionate about working with children and adults. I have been in the field for almost 20 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and
young adults with a range of psychological and emotional issues both in a public sector setting (Youth Offending Service) and in the private sector as a Forensic Psychologist. Prior to arriving in Geneva I guided young people facing any number of stressors or events in their lives that may be impacting their well-being. Teenagers struggling to understand and fit in, who had difficulty communicating with their family, navigating relationships, social media pressures, body image, self-harm and with a particular focus on transitions, eating disorders and addictions.
I am currently working at ESCA CancerSupport 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. In my private practice I have a particular interest in working with chronic illness with children and adults, helping them navigate and explore these fears, anxieties as well as the existential questions that may arise. Additionally I integrate Peter A. Levine's Somatic Experiencing® to help release residual energy that is trapped in the nervous system which can present as anxiety, difficulty breathing, muscular tension, chronic pain, lack of sleep, rage outbursts and / or increased heart rate. Utilising some of the tools of Somatic Experiencing® can significantly make a difference on the person's well-being.
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 Psychosocial 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 at Middlesex University 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) and I am in ongoing training with Somatic Experiencing®(SE) advanced level. 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. Once moving to Geneva I worked as a school counsellor at La Cote International School and I am currently employed at ESCA CancerSupport providing support for patients and their families that are struggling with cancer. Parallel to this I also have my own private practice in Eaux-Vives.
Qualifications
Bereavement and Loss (The Gestalt Centre)
2018-Ongoing
Somatic Experiencing® Completion of Beginner and Intermediate Levels.
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
2019
BSc Hons in Psychology, (Middlesex University)
Membership
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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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Swiss Association of Counselling (SGfB)
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American Counselling Association (ACA)
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Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Institute