aboutME
Melissa Pollick, Psychological Counselor
My journey to becoming a therapist first began though a curiosity of my own as well as others' emotional and psychological experiences. After being drawn to studying psychology, meditation, and yoga, I became fascinated by our ability to grow through life's challenges. This led me to look more deeply at myself - questioning how I lived, where I wanted to go, and consciously moving in that direction.
I personally know the courage it takes to investigate one's self and to make deep, lasting change. This gives me an incredible amount of respect, care, and patience for the people I work with.
Having a Bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as a Master's in Counseling provides a solid base for me to accompany others in a therapeutic setting, while additional training in Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and others have allowed me to deepen my work.
I am experienced in working with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, offering therapy in English or French while also being able to incorporate Spanish into sessions at clients’ request.
Using a person-centered, holistic approach allows me to tailor therapy to each individual while helping them care for themselves, at their own pace. I am particularly interested in incorporating somatic approaches into sessions, which brings attention to the relationship between emotions and the body.
As my personal and professional paths continue, I find myself drawn to approaches which seek to maximize the natural resources we all possess which lead to more full, authentic living. Often, we get caught up in the everyday noise of life - I enjoy helping people slow down and live in ways which they haven't been able to do before.
CERTIFICATIONS
Member of ASCA for the practice of Psychological Coaching
Droit de pratique complémentaire, Canton of Geneva
Professional Member, American Counseling Association
Advanced Student Member, Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
EDUCATION
Master of Counseling, Webster University Geneva
Bachelor of Psychology, University of Toledo
EXPERIENCE
2014 - Present - Psychological Counselor, Wellness Counseling Geneva
2015 - Social Skills Group Facilitator, All Special Kids, Geneva
2013 - Counseling Intern, St Vincent’s Adolescent Hospital Fairview, Dublin
2012 - 2013 - Counseling Intern, Private Practice of David Schiesher, Geneva
2012 - 2013 - Counseling Intern, La Roseraie Migrant Centre, Geneva
2011 - 2013 - Counseling Intern, Webster University Geneva
2011 - 2012 - Counseling Intern, Aiglon College, Chesières
2011 - Graduate Assistant, Wellness Center, Eastern Michigan University
CONTINUING EDUCATION
2020 - Heal Your Relationships, Rising Woman, Canada
2019 - Somatic Experiencing Level 1 with Pedro Prado, Somatic Experiencing Spain
2019 - Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop with Kristen Neff, The Mindfulness Project, London
2019 - Somatic Experiencing Supervision with Peter Levine, Polarity Zurich
2019 - Mindfulness for Sleep Workshop with Dr. Katharina Lederle, The Mindfulness Project, London
2018 - Levels of Insight with Marianne Bentzen, Polarity Zurich
2018 - Somatic Experiencing Introduction with Dominique Dégranges, Polarity Lausanne
2018 - Safe Space Program, Campus Pride, USA
2018 - Multicultural Counseling with Immigrants and Refugees, Good Therapy, USA
2017 - Hakomi Method Workshop with Sophie Cattier, Geneva
2017 - Supporting Clients Dealing with Chronic Illness and Health Crisis, Workplace Options, USA
2017 - Helping Clients with the Negatives of their Perfectionism, Workplace Options, USA
2016 - Gottman Method Level 1, The Gottman Institute, USA
2016 - Healing Couples from the Betrayal of an Affair, The Gottman Institute, USA
2016 - Helping Clients Deal with Anxiety, Stress, and Depression, Workplace Options, USA
2016 - Helping Clients with Workplace Stress and Bullying, Workplace Options, USA
2012 - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course with Karl Duffy, Mindfulness Geneva
2011 - Conference on Supporting Individuals & Families in Transition, Webster University Geneva
2011 - Conference on Depression on College Campuses, University of Michigan
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