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 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 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. 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 ESCA CancerSupport's community and its extraordinary heroes (please click on the link to see what services ESCA CancerSupport offers and how it can help you).
In my private practice I have a particular interest in working with addictions, anxiety, transitions, bereavement, chronic illness, relational and developmental trauma. 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 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), I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and in ongoing training to complete the NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Therapist Training. 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. Also, as mentioned before 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
2021
NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Therapist Training Level 2
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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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