Palindrome Therapy
Palindrome is built on the values of listening, respect, and openness. I firmly believe that every person deserves to be welcomed in all their complexity, without judgment or pressure regarding the directions and decisions you may take in your life. The most important thing is to offer you a safe space where you can feel free, authentic, heard, and where you can move forward at your own pace.
A good therapeutic relationship is based on trust, collaboration, and respect for your experiences. No matter what difficulties you are going through—anxiety, depression, personal questions, life transitions, relationship or emotional challenges—you don't have to carry them alone.
Palindrome evokes the idea that a journey can be viewed from different perspectives, just as a palindrome can be read in multiple directions while retaining its meaning. In therapy, there is no single way forward. A multitude of paths can lead us to growth, and each one carries unique value. Every experience, every detour, and every way of navigating difficulties brings a different understanding of oneself and its own inherent worth. Change requires a great deal of courage, and my role is to accompany you on your journey so that you emerge strengthened with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will allow you to rediscover your resilience and move forward with greater confidence.
My approach
My practice is primarily based on emotion focused therapy (EFT), which allows you to better understand and experience your emotions, using them as guides to further understand your needs, their origins, and how you interact with yourself, others, and the world. Together, we take the time to fully explore your experiences without looking away.
I also incorporate tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you restructure habits and thoughts that may aggravate or maintain your issues, allowing you to move forward more easily. This is complemented by narrative therapy, which provides a broader and more introspective perspective on your issues.
I offer support that is sensitive to the realities of bilingual people, third-culture children, as well as people living with ADHD, taking into account the identity, emotional and relational particularities that may accompany these experiences. I and can conduct sessions in a mix of French-English (or either separately).
This integrative approach allows me to offer you support that is both concrete and human, which promotes a better understanding of oneself, the development of new resources and a greater sense of balance in daily life.
My qualifications
Training/Degrees
Training in Emotion-Focused Therapy
Training in narrative therapy
BS Psychology
MA Counseling
Affiliations
SGfB -Swiss association for Counseling
IARTC - International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling
ACA - American Counseling Association
ACCA - American College Counseling Association
SAIGE - Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities
Location
In person
*The office is located on the first floor (few stairs) though there is not elevator.
Or Online
F. A. Q.
Does seeking therapy mean that I am not capable enough to solve my own problems?
No. It's human and normal to seek support when life throws challenges our way. Furthermore, asking for help demonstrates your ability to take action in a situation. You are therefore already working on your own difficulties.
What does a therapy session usually look like?
The goal of a session is to allow you to focus on what will be most useful/beneficial to you. Often, a session begins with a time for you to settle in and familiarize yourself with the space, while expressing any concerns you may have. Then, we transition into a more in-depth working phase, ending with a moment for you to ground yourself.
The first session, however, is focused on understanding the problem and your expectations as well as gaining a better understanding of the process.
What can my expectations be regarding therapy?
Therapy is a process that can take time and is not linear. You can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself, change your patterns of behavior, make progress toward your goals, and develop new skills that will help you move forward. However, it is also possible that you may experience challenging moments during therapy where this progress seems to stall or is slow to materialize. This is part of the expected progression but can sometimes be difficult.
Therapy also requires an investment from you in order to function optimally.
Does coming to therapy mean that I have a problem?
No. There are as many reasons to seek help as there are people. Whether you need support during your most difficult times, or simply want to be heard, you are welcome.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy doesn't have a fixed duration, so you're free to do as much or little as you see fit. The beneficial length of time depends on many different factors, primarily on the reason you seek therapy. If you're looking to resolve a very specific and limited issue, your number of sessions may be shorter. Whereas if you're seeking to address existential questions or long-standing difficulties, therapy will likely take longer. That said, the time you spend in therapy is in no way related to your abilities, progress or worth, and is generally difficult to predict.
Will I be judged?
No. The therapeutic space is meant to be a safe place where you can simply be yourself, without fear of judgment. We are all human beings deserving of being heard without prejudice.
If you feel judged, don't hesitate to talk to me about it. It will never be taken the wrong way, and will actually help us move forward more effectively.
How can I know if therapy will benefit me?
If you're currently asking yourself this question, it may very well be helpful. Therapy can address a multitude of different needs, and ultimately, you are the best judge of what you need. If you're hesitant, or if those around you encourage you to pursue it, you can always try it and then stop whenever you feel comfortable.
Is the content of my sessions confidential?
Yes. The content of your sessions remains confidential, in accordance with the principles of the SGfB and ACA. Exceptions are made when it is clear that you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or others, as well as if there is legal intervention. In these cases, I will do my best to discuss the situation with you beforehand, but this is not always possible.
How do I begin?
Starting is often the hardest part. You simply have to dare to take the plunge and contact a therapist using the method that is least stressful for you.
If you wish to start with me, you have the following choices:
– book a session directly on the website
- fill out the contact form
- send an email to the address at the bottom of the page
- Call or send a text message to the number at the bottom of the page
Readings & Media
Since the beginning of our species' existence, we have been telling stories...
These stories allow us to learn more about the world we live in, the other human beings around us, but also to better understand ourselves.
The Stormlight Archive
This series of 5 books illustrates the impact of human psychological suffering and confronts us with the struggles experienced by those affected in a compelling and moving way.
It's a great way to approach mental health issues without having to read a dissertation on the subject. Seeing the characters' development helps you progress alongside them.
Themes: depression - trauma - post-traumatic stress - substance abuse - identity - resilience - change
Doctor Who
This series addresses the human condition with emotion and intensity. It highlights the complexity of human beings and brings out their beauty without hiding their darker aspects.
Although there are lighter episodes, this series seen as a whole (I recommend starting with the 2005 re-release) allows you to feel connected to the world.
Themes: humanity - hope - change - grief - depression - identity - morality - philosophy - beauty - attachment
A beautiful mind
This film is an adaptation of the biography of John Forbes Nash Jr. and shows us how much a person can be affected by their state of mind, but also how one can live with it.
This film is captivating without ever letting go, and makes it easy to understand and empathize with people who have to live with difficulties of this kind.
Themes: schizophrenia - mental health and socialization - resilience - acceptance - recognition - hope - beauty