Heather Schwaninger, MA
Psychologist & Psycho-Social Counsellor
Swiss Qualifications
Psychologist by Foreign Psychology Degree Recognition
Counsellor SGfB
United States Qualifications
Licensed Professional Counselor, Georgia & Texas
Education
Master of Arts Professional Counseling
Master of Arts Human Services Counseling: Marriage & Family
Bachelor of Science Psychology
Professional Memberships
The Swiss Association for Counselling
A Bit About Me
I am a counsellor with several years of experience working with individuals, couples, and adolescents across diverse cultural settings. I began my counselling career in Cambodia, providing services to both Cambodian clients and English-speaking expatriates.
During my graduate training, I worked in a private practice supporting individual adults, couples, and adolescents.
I completed my post-graduate clinical work within the Juvenile Justice system, where I provided behavioral health counselling to youth on probation and in the pre-adjudication and post-adjudication facilities.
Having lived and worked in several multicultural contexts, I bring cross-cultural awareness to my practice.
I offer compassionate, client-centered counselling focused on enhancing emotional well-being, improving relationship dynamics, and equipping clients with practical coping strategies, problem-solving and communication skills in order to help them navigate challenges and live a meaningful life.
Besides topics related to counselling and psychology, I have a keen interest in Christian apologetics and philosophy.
I am an American, living with my Swiss husband and our mini, black & tan, long-hair dachshund, who loves a comfy couch, in Switzerland.
My Unique Approach
Christian Counselling
Trauma-Informed Counselling
Psycho-Education
Counselling sessions are tailored to the needs and goals of the client. Throughout my career, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and worldviews. The client determines the degree to which spiritual issues are discussed within a Biblical, Christian framework.
I have several years of experience working with clients recovering from various forms of trauma and abuse including at risk youth and their families, individuals in private practice, and as a bi-lingual counsellor in Cambodia.
I believe an important part of the change process is understanding and having language to describe experiences in order to recognize thought patterns and emotional responses that impact core beliefs and
decision-making. I supplement the counselling process with educational resources, for example, book suggestions and handouts, to help clients understand themselves and others as well as to facilitate acceptance or to make decisions to change what is within their control.