Heather Schwaninger, MA
Psychologist & Psychosocial 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 a pre-adjudication and post-adjudication facility.
Having lived and worked in several multicultural contexts, I bring cross-cultural awareness to my practice.
I offer compassionate, client-centered counselling within a systems framework that focuses 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
Awareness & Skills Building
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. Clients can tell me the degree to which they would like spiritual issues to be 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. I seek to support clients in recognizing their core beliefs, thought patterns and emotional responses that influence decision-making within the relationship systems in which they live. Thus, I may recommend additional resources (books, handouts) to you if you are interested in learning more outside of our time together.