We will match you with a counselor based on your needs
Program Leader
Counseling Center Coordinator
Vivienne Herke, MSW, UKCP
Vivienne Herke, MSW, MBACP, UKCP completed her Masters in Clinical Social Work in 2000 at Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON, Canada) which built upon a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at McGill University (Montreal, PQ, Canada). Vivienne is also currently a Counselling Psychologist in training as she in the final year of a PhD in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Middlesex, England (in conjunction with the New School for Psychotherapy and Counselling in London).
During her career, Vivienne has moved back and forth between the private and public sectors as she has lived abroad for 25 years. She has experience of working in psychiatric hospitals, crisis units of general hospitals, community mental health services, youth offending services, child welfare and various counselling services in Canada, England, Switzerland and Spain. Vivienne is an integrative British registered Psychotherapist (UKCP) with a holistic and humanistic-existential orientation who works in a relational way incorporating CBT, ACT and mindfulness techniques in service of her clients. Most recently, she has been in private practice for 5 years in Lausanne and online across Europe working with teenagers, students, adults, couple and families. Issues of anxiety, anger, depression, developmental trauma, emotional regulation, identity, purpose or meaning in life and relational issues have been the focus of her therapeutic work.
Vivienne is committed to ensuring the overall responsiveness, effectiveness and quality of the multi-cultural counselling service at Webster University.
Who are the Trainee Counselors?
Counselors come from a variety of professional backgrounds such as lawyers, teachers, journalists, human resources, UN employees, NGOs, the corporate world and more. They have very valuable life experience, and this can be so important in understanding the challenges that their clients face. They are realistic, dedicated, and resourceful with a wide range of life skills.
Some have grown up in international, multilingual contexts, knowing first-hand the difficulties faced by individuals and families adjusting to a new country. All the counselors are passionate about supporting people in navigating difficult life transitions and creating meaningful change.
We are delighted to be able to extend our services to students at Webster Tashkent. Trainee counsellors available for this purpose can be identified by a (T) next to their name.
Trainee Counselors
Connie Wong (T)
Connie Wong is a dedicated Trainee Counselor currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling at Webster Geneva Campus. With a humanistic and non-judgmental approach, Connie creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. She is British-born Chinese and possesses a deep understanding of cultural issues and the complexities they bring to mental health. Living in Zurich for the past four years has enriched her perspective, allowing her to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and support them in their unique journeys towards healing and growth. Connie has a strong interest in stress management, helping clients develop effective strategies to cope with life's pressures and enhance their overall well-being.
Fernanda Gerber
Fernanda warmly welcomes anyone who is seeking a safe place to explore the many emotions and thoughts that occur in the human experience. As an SGfB Member in Training, she is committed to providing ethical, empathetic, client-focused and personalized therapy. She aims to collaborate with the client in finding and pursuing goals that will result in a better quality of life.
Having lived in Mexico, the U.S.A., Spain and Switzerland throughout her life, Fernanda has gained appreciation for the richness and importance of different cultures, languages and traditions. She therefore approaches therapy with an open mind and a flexible approach that can adapt to the unique life story of each client. Fernanda can provide counseling in English and Spanish.
Stephanie Sekarski (T)
Coming to counseling can be a difficult and daunting process. Just as each person is unique, so is their journey. It is with this in mind that Steph aims to provide a safe and judgment-free space for self-exploration as well as self-expression. No matter what your concerns are, you will find she has the will to listen, and the desire to help you achieve your goals.
Being both Swiss and American, Steph has an inside understanding of Swiss culture, whilst also being well aware of the difficulties that can stem from being between different customs, values and lifestyles. She offers counseling in French, English, as well as a mix of both for bilinguals.
Ashli Sartorelli
Ashli Sartorelli is passionate about fostering holistic healing and personal growth in her clients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling. Her educational journey, enriched by diverse practical experiences, equips her to deliver empathetic, effective, and individualized care.
Ashli believes in the power of creativity and imagination as essential tools in therapy. Fluent in both English and Italian, Ashli integrates these creative techniques to encourage self-expression and deeper understanding in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. She is dedicated to helping individuals build resilience, find balance, and achieve lasting well-being.
Petra Tan
She is committed to providing a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore any concern. Believing that counseling is a collaborative journey, she offers a listening ear so clients feel heard and supported as they uncover meaning and heal past wounds. Together, they will identify strengths, explore values, define goals, and chart a meaningful path forward.
Having lived in Singapore for many years, she understands the complexities of adapting to a new culture. Her areas of interest include grief, addiction, anxiety, and transition. Fluent in German and English, she supports clients using an integrative approach on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, growth, and acceptance.
Mhica Salvo
Mhica is a dedicated trainee counselor committed to fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for clients, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual's unique experiences and perspectives. She aims to build a collaborative and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and confidential setting. Her approach is deeply rooted in her belief in the inherent worth and potential of every person. Growing up as a third-culture kid, Mhica developed a deep appreciation for diverse sociocultural backgrounds and is keenly aware of intersectionality, recognizing how overlapping identities influence experiences and challenges. Her cultural sensitivity allows her to connect with individuals from various contexts and provide a space where they feel seen and heard.
Steve Borloz
Steve is a psychosocial counselor in training. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Webster Geneva Campus. He takes a relationship-focused, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach to counselling. He aims to co-create a safe space with the client where emotions can be fully acknowledged, felt, and honored without judgment and shame. He believes in the inerrant client’s capacity to change and heal. Some of his qualities include being an empathetic, abiding presence and approaching any life challenges with non-judgment, compassion, and utmost curiosity.
He offers consultation in French (native) but also speaks English and German. "
Gill Spadoni
Gill is a counselor in training with a diverse background and a passion for supporting individuals through life's transitions. Gill's holistic counseling approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for effective support and healing. Gill is particularly interested in working with middle-aged and older individuals facing significant life changes such as menopause, redundancy, and retirement.
Gill believes that every transition while challenging, offers growth and transformation opportunities. Gill aims to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their feelings, develop resilience, and find new ways to navigate changing circumstances. Gill looks forward to helping clients on their well-being and personal growth journeys.
Margarita Christen
Margarita celebrates your courageous decision to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through counseling. Whether confronting specific challenges or pursuing personal growth, you've taken a significant step toward investing in yourself.
You can expect the creation of a safe space for support and insight into coping skills to facilitate positive change together.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Margarita through Webster Counseling Center today and begin your journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Counseling in English and Spanish. SGfB member in training.
Emily Crucerey
Emily sees life as a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. She provides a non-judgmental ear, empathy and compassion to help people explore their emotions, find confidence to manage life’s challenges and work towards their goals.
Originally from the UK, Emily is a native English speaker who has lived in the Geneva area for 10 years. In her former career as a primary school teacher, she saw how the mental health and wellbeing of children and their parents was integral to their growth and success. This, coupled with her own experience of working and parenting in a foreign land, has inspired a particular interest in supporting people of all ages going through life transitions, including parenthood, career change and cultural adjustment.
Sophie Klose
Currently a Psychosocial Counselor in training, Sophie is entering her final year of a Master’s in Counseling at Webster Geneva Campus. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Open University, deepening her understanding of the human psyche. Her person-centered approach integrates techniques from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailored to each client's unique needs and cultural background.
Fluent in English and French, Sophie is committed to helping clients navigate life's ups and downs with compassion and understanding.
Michal Sharon Nahum
Michal is currently a trainee counselor at Webster Geneva Campus in the Master's in counseling program. She sees therapy as a path for crossing obstacles and uncovering your inner resources for having a more joyful and meaningful life experience. She would be curious to listen openly, to jointly find the path to make your journey lighter and brighter, walking towards healing and growth.
Michal is also a Mom of three teenage boys, a yoga teacher, and has lived in three different countries. She speaks fluent English and Hebrew.
Michal warmly invites you to start with a chat and discover new possibilities.
Olivia Sacconi (T)
Olivia is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently completing her Master’s in Counseling. Her educational background, combined with practical experience, enables her to offer compassionate, effective, and personalized care to each of her clients.
Olivia focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard and understood. To enhance her practice, she is currently undergoing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These evidence-based approaches combined allow her to employ a variety of techniques tailored to fit her clients' unique needs, helping them build resilience and regain control over their lives.
Anne Ellsworth (T)
Anne offers a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for clients to express themselves. She provides a collaborative and integrative approach to counselling, tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Anne is in the final year of her MA in Counselling at Webster, Geneva Campus, and is an SGfB (Swiss Association for Counseling) member-in-training. Anne is originally from Canada, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology and she is very familiar with the transition challenges of living abroad and cross-cultural issues having lived in the United States, Nigeria, and Sweden, and having worked in many more. She moved to the Geneva area 5 years ago with her husband and daughter. Anne provides counselling services in English, and has a good working knowledge of French and Swedish.
Katherine Rybicki
Katherine, a counselor-in-training in the MA program at Webster Geneva Campus with a BA in Psychology, strongly believes in the client's expertise in their own life. She values their skills, desires, and needs above all else. Katherine is dedicated to supporting her clients' courageous journey toward healing by providing an empathetic ear in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where their voice is always heard and validated. Identifying as a third-culture kid, Katherine was born in South Africa to Polish parents but grew up in various countries, including the USA, Taiwan, and Singapore. For the past 17 years, she has lived in Geneva with her husband and two children. Katherine is fluent in English, French, and Polish.
Katherine relates to integrative therapy, which means selecting techniques from various therapeutic approaches that best suit each client. She believes that a single symptom cannot define her clients.
Allison Weed (T)
Allison is a SGfB Member in Training in her final year of the MA in Counseling at Webster University - Geneva Campus. She grew up in the United States and obtained her BA in Psychology from the University of New Haven. Having lived in the USA, Italy, and now Switzerland, Allison recognizes that life transitions can be difficult and appreciates that everyone comes from a unique culture and background. Allison offers a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental space for clients to freely express themselves. She uses an integrative approach and aims to work collaboratively with her clients in order to tailor counseling to each individual’s needs and goals. Allison offers sessions in English.
Samantha Elaine Groulx (T)
Out of admiration for human resilience during her humanitarian career, Samantha nurtured a deep desire to hold safe space for individuals who have faced harsh realities. She offers you her full presences to your healing journey, without judgement. With a steadfast respect that you are the expert of yourself, Samantha offers a collaborative, resilience-oriented approach to counselling. She offers a space for all thoughts and emotions to be fully acknowledged, felt and honoured for the valuable information they provide. She helps her clients navigate and connect with their emotions, where they are free to explore what healing means to them.
Samantha emigrated from Toronto, Canada to Geneva in 2020. She is a queer woman, with a passion for community gardening. Samantha is a SGfB Member-in-training and offers counselling services for English-speaking clients in Geneva and beyond (through distance counselling).
Laura Lightbody
Laura works collaboratively with her clients to help them move through whatever issues and challenges they are currently facing. Her person-centred approach also includes elements of somatic therapy, focusing on the mind-body connection. By bringing awareness to the body, she seeks to help clients reshape their perspective on, and relationship to, difficult emotions such as anxiety and sadness.
Laura has a BA in International Relations from NYU in New York City and a Masters of Business Administration from IE University in Madrid. She has a successful 12+ year career in international development that has focused on improving opportunities for certain populations in developing countries. Now based in Geneva for many years, she decided to also train as a Counselor after seeing the value that therapy sessions have brought to both herself and her loved ones. Her specific areas of interest for working with clients include life transitions, establishing healthy relationships, exploring the mind-body relationship, and career development. She offers sessions in English and French.