Health & Wellness
Notre équipe
Our values
Our students, partners and donors’ trust, respect and appreciation are the core of our service. We must offer and ensure quality services to maintain this precious link with them.
The values of our Ethics charter are:
- Listening: we analyze the consultant's request and make sure that he/she shares our understanding of it
- Empathy: with no value judgment, we try, as much as possible, to put ourselves in the consultant's shoes
- Availability and flexibility: to elaborate their request, we adapt our schedules to the students’constraints, and respect everyone's rythm
- The search for a solution: we build with the student a "tailor‑made" solution
- Our team’s reactivity: is shown in our capacity to react in the emergency and to deal with short, medium or long term problems
- Accessibility and proximity: this is reflected in the ease of making an appointment, in a warm welcome and in the availability of information accessible to everyone
On the other hand...
- Each employee must respect the rules of ethics, deontology and confidentiality; their skills must be adapted to the specific needs of the student during his/her academic career
- We work according to the principles of objectivity, open discussion and refutability that underpin a rational intellectual approach. We follow ICS governance and control procedures
- We are committed to developing external visibility, monitoring trends and generating new interprofessional exchanges
Would you like to join our team? The Health and Psychology Department hires interns every year for training and development. You will find all the relevant information on our dedicated page.
The Team
Pierre Moiroud
Head of the Health and Psychological Advice sector
Pierre Moiroud
305
+41 22 379 78 02
Pierre.Moiroud(at)unige.ch
Pierre Moiroud is a psychologist‑psychotherapist with a federal licence to practice. He is responsible for the Health and Psychological Counselling Service and his mission is to conceptualize and develop responses adapted to the students’ bio‑psycho‑social needs.
His role is also to promote the service within the University by developing projects and collaborations with all the partners of the Institution and those of the city.
You can contact Pierre Moiroud for any questions related to the development of internal and external services to the University in which the PSS could play a role.
After studying Clinical Psychology and Social Management of Organisations in France, and having a professional experience in the private sector, Pierre Moiroud was hired as an assistant at the Faculty of Psychology of the UNIGE. It is within this framework that he participated in the development of the Centre for Psychological Advice.
He enjoys working in a university environment that is: "open, creative, curious, concerned with welcoming everyone by respecting differences and otherness, and guarantees that scientific rigour is respected".
His vision consists in approaching bio‑psycho‑social problems as "pivotal" moments in the life of a student. According to him, these difficulties must be perceived as opportunities to start again on new bases and move towards the student’s own personal evolution.
What does he like about his job?
"All the encounters, the pieces of life shared with the students, the richness of their contributions".
According to him, the students’ experience and perception of the world allow the co-construction of an edifice that satisfies their needs as well as those who contribute every day in improving it.
Languages: French, English
Tiziana Farinelli Ebengo
Doctor
Tiziana Farinelli Ebengo
306
+41 22 379 72 91
sante(at)unige.ch
Dr. Tiziana Farinelli is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Public Health. She has been the Head of the Health Service among the Social Health Service for 15 years. Her role is to raise awareness, inform and respond to the health problems of UNIGE students.
You can contact Dr. Tiziana Farinelli for health consultations (free, and by appointment), health awareness activities, and the welcoming and integration of students with disabilities. She will receive you by appointment in a confidential manner.
To find out more, consult the health services, as well as all the health major subjects.
Dr. Tiziana Farinelli graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva and completed her specialisation in Internal Medicine (FMH) at the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), working as an intern and then head of clinic in the fields of vaccination, travel medicine and tropical medicine.
In order to specialise in prevention and management of health projects, she completed her training with a certificate in Community Health at the UNIGE followed by a Master in Public Health in London. Back in Switzerland, she continued her activities at the HUG, and was hired by the University of Geneva to develop the Health Services of the Health Social Pole.
According to her, university students are at a turning point in their lives, during which they build their perceptions and acquire health behaviours for adulthood. This is why Dr. Tiziana Farinelli takes to heart her mission to raise awareness among the student's community. She informs and encourages students to adopt behaviours that appear to be favourable through their long‑term health.
What does she like about her job?
"Surrounding myself with students in order to better understand their concerns and identify their needs in terms of health".
She also works with several student associations to lead awareness campaigns.
Languages: French, English, Italian
Frédérique Tagliabue
Assistant
Frédérique Tagliabue
301
+41 22 379 12 92
Frederique.Tagliabue(at)unige.ch
Frédérique Tagliabue is in charge of the secretariat.
You can contact Frédérique if you have any question regarding the services offered by the Health and Psychology Unit, if you want to make an appointment or if you want to be directed to the contact person who can answer your questions.
Languages: French, English
Dominique Rossborough
Assistant
Dominique Rossborough
301
+41 22 379 12 31
Dominique.Rossborough(at)unige.ch
Dominique Rossborough supports the Head of the Psychology Health Unit and the University of Geneva’ s doctor taking in charge students with special needs.
After validating a Bachelor’ s degree in Psychology at the UNIGE, Dominique spent 10 years in England. Back in Geneva, she worked during 9 years for a private banker in the Geneva area as a HR Manager, responsible for Training and Young Talents. She, then, held various positions as a Consultant and HR Finance Manager in small Geneva structures, she worked at the rectorate in the HR Finance sector, and finally at the UNIGE Health and Social Unit.
Listening to students and proactively seeking relevant solutions for each of them are part of her daily work. According to her, "everyone has a story, and we must find solutions adapted to everyone to help young people live this exciting university period, considered as a springboard to a better future, as serenely as possible".
Languages: French, English
Gaelle Augé-Freytag
Coach
Gaelle Augé-Freytag
Gaelle Augé‑Freytag is an IDC‑certified coach and has been working as a student coach at the Faculty of Science since 2015. Her role is to accompany students towards their specific goal. The goal is to allow them to become aware of their environment, skills and resources so that they can think more strategically, develop action plans and improve their self‑confidence.
Languages: French and English.
David Baert
Coach
David Baert
David Baert is an interactional coach® certified by the IDC and NLP school in Lausanne.
After an initial career as a project manager, he first became a trainer and coach in companies and then decided to set up his own coaching and training company in Geneva.
He then trained in NLP and the brief systemic and strategic approach of the MRI of Palo Alto. He joined the UNIGE coaching team in 2021 to accompany students with problems of motivation, stress or confidence and to help them find their own solutions in order to reach their goals.
David uses of metaphors in his "paradoxical" approach help the coachees see a situation from a different perspective, become aware of their behaviour as well as their attempts at solutions which often aggravate the problem. While learning to know themselves better, he offers them new perspectives and new tools to obtain better results.
David is also a creator of "Serious Games" related to "well‑being" and health.
Languages: French and English
Élodie Challamel
Coach
Élodie Challamel
Élodie Challamel is an IDC certified coach.
After graduating with a Master’ s degree in Political Science, she pursued her career with two very formative experiences as a junior recruiter and coach.
Since 2015, Elodie has been a coach and trainer for companies in the development of leadership, management and communication skills, and for individuals regarding topics such as emotions, confidence, self‑esteem and career transition.
Since 2021, she has been part of the Pole Coaching team at the University of Geneva. Her role is to accompany students towards their chosen goal. The aim is to enable them to become aware of their environment, skills and resources. In this way, they can think more strategically, develop action plans and improve their self‑confidence.
Languages: French and English
Arnaud Pictet
Psychologist, researcher
Arnaud Pictet
303
+41 22 379 77 26
arnaud.pictet(at)unige.ch
Arnaud Pictet is a clinical psychologist and researcher. He is leading a research project coordinated by the Social Health Pole and in collaboration with the University Centre for Computer Science and the University Hospitals of Geneva, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone application in the promotion of mental health and the prevention of depression among students at the University of Geneva. You can contact Arnaud if you have any question about the research and if you are interested in participating in the project.
Arnaud studied psychology at the UNIGE, then obtained a PhD in Experimental Psychopathology at Oxford University. He graduated in Cognitive‑behavioural Psychotherapy (DAS), then worked as a psychologist‑psychotherapist in the psychiatric departments of the HUG, and in the Social Health Pole as an external psychologist. In parallel, Arnaud worked for 3 years as a postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Psychology of the UNIGE (Emotion and Trauma Clinical Unit). Since 2017, Arnaud has joined the Social Health Pole to work as a scientific assistant.
Psychologists
Aude Belkherroubi-Bernardini
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Aude Belkherroubi-Bernardini
Johanna Blanc
Psychologist in training: Master 2 in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the University of Lausanne
Johanna Blanc
Johanna Blanc is a master's degree final year student in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the University of Lausanne.
She is particularly interested in providing a safe space based on trust where the person in consultation can feel comfortable enough to express him‑herself freely regarding all issues. In this way, she will provide a sympathetic and non‑judgmental ear to accompany and support you.
Languages: French, English
Julien Cerf
Psychologist in training: Master 2 in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the University of Lausanne
Julien Cerf
Julien Cerf is a master's degree final year student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Lausanne.
He is particularly interested in the psychoanalytical approach and personality psychology. His various experiences among diverse populations have led him to develop a specific interest in the global and particular understanding of each situation he can encounter in consultation.
Languages: French, English, Spanish
Anouck Cogordan
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Anouck Cogordan
Anouck Cogordan is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training in the systemic approach. She holds a Master’ s degree in Clinical and Affective Psychology from the University of Geneva.
She started her career by working for several years in adult psychiatry in the field of resistant depression. Then, seeking to understand the challenges of adolescence, she involved herself with two associations specialised in listening to young people. This participation enabled her to work in a counselling centre for children and adolescents, as well as on a help and advice line for people under 25. She deals with various subjects such as: difficulties in love, friendships, family, work, sex, identity, etc. Simultaneously, she is taking a training course to deal with the risk of suicide.
Having herself a rich migratory background, she is also trained in the psychotherapeutic approach to migrants and their traumatic experiences and offers consultations in several languages. It allows her to work frequently with migrants and people with a migration background.
Within the framework of therapy, she offers a safe and non‑judgmental place where people can confide in a trustworthy listener and caring professional. She seeks to help students by taking into account the context in which they are working. Her vision of therapy is a proactive collaboration with the student so as to accompany him/her in his/her difficulties.
Languages: French, English, Spanish
Milica Garic
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Milica Garic
Milica Garic is a psychologist. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Fribourg and a Master’s degree in Clinical and Affective Psychology at the University of Geneva.
Since the beginning of her studies, she has been interested in the link between our past, our unconscious and our difficulties in the present. Therefore, she decided to train in psychoanalytical psychotherapy.
In parallel to her training as a psychotherapist, she works with migrant adolescents and young adults and is interested in diversity and cultural integration.
The core of her work is having a sympathetic ear.
Languages: French, Italian, English, Serbo‑Croatian
Leonor Hurtado
Psychologist and psychotherapist in training for the psychoanalytical approach. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Fribourg. Right to practice dependent on the Canton of Geneva.
Leonor Hurtado
Leonor Hurtado is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training in the psychoanalytical approach. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Fribourg. Being also an anthropologist, Leonor has worked for several years with indigenous populations as well as with the most vulnerable populations in her country. She has a great interest in working with young adults who are going through difficult life situations, to help them get better through their own resources and capacities.
Languages: French, Spanish, Italian
Nora Rabinovici
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Nora Rabinovici
Nora Rabinovici is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training in the cognitive behavioural approach (CBT).
Following her Master’s degree in Clinical and Affective Psychology from the University of Geneva, Nora worked in a sleep medicine centre where she specialized in the treatment of people suffering from sleep disorders. Previously, Nora worked at the HUG in liaison psychiatry with people requiring both psychological and somatic care and in a consultation for children, adolescents and families.
Having another Master’s degree in Political Science, Nora has also worked for many years with migrants and is particularly interested in intercultural psychology and the associated aspects of identity.
In therapy, she offers a sympathetic space to address the issues that students may face during this turning point of their lives. Thus, difficulties related to studies (such as stress management, life choices, learning strategies, failures), as well as relational, psychological or emotional difficulties can be addressed in a collaborative way with the student.
Languages: French, English
Sarah Robinson
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva
Sarah Robinson
Sarah Robinson is a Psychologist FSP with a Masters in Integrative Clinical and Social Psychology from the University of Geneva.
She is a psychotherapist in training for a specialty in cognitive behavioral therapy, and is particularly oriented toward issues of self‑definition and individual adaptation over the life course when difficulties arise. Associated concerns may include, for example: disruptive experiences or trauma, problems of success or failure, dissatisfaction or lack of meaning, need for goal assessment or reorganization, relationship conflicts or changes, and struggles related to intercultural or social adjustments.
Sessions are collaborative and aimed toward developing solutions to support immediate and long‑term wellbeing.
Language : English
Coralie Vouillon
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Coralie Vouillon
Coralie Vouillon is a psychologist in training to obtain the federally recognised title of cognitive‑behavioural psychotherapist (CBT). She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from the University of Geneva.
Having a solid experience in psychotherapy, Coralie is also currently working with the Psychological Health Centre at the Medical and Pedagogical Office as a psychologist in a school inclusion project for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Coralie intends to welcome you in a benevolent and non‑judgmental environment. She offers you a place to actively listen and support you in the face of any difficulties you may encounter.
Language: French
Psychologists, psychotherapists in postgraduate training
Anne-Isabelle Abt
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Anne-Isabelle Abt
Anne‑Isabelle Abt is a psychologist FSP and psychotherapist in training, with a behavioural and cognitive orientation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Montreal and McGill University in Canada. She completed her training with a Master’s degree in Psychology at the University of Lausanne.
She acquired some expertise in student issues while working as a volunteer at the University of Montreal. In this context, she did active listening and raised students’ awareness regarding issues such as violence, loneliness and harassment. Currently, she works for the Health Social Pole and conducts clinical research interviews at the Center for Psychiatric Epidemiology and Psychopathology of the CHUV.
Languages: French, English
Nathalie Biedermann
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Nathalie Biedermann
Nathalie Biedermann is a psychologist. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Geneva and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology from the University of Lausanne. She is particularly interested in addressing each individual’s difficulties by taking into account the relational aspects as well as the different contexts in which they occur.
She is currently specialising in systemic psychotherapy in Lausanne; a field of research that allows her to address each individual’s difficulties by taking into account the relational aspects as well as the different contexts in which those occur.
Language: French
Naomi Kohler
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Naomi Kohler
Naomi Kohler is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training. She holds a Master’s degree in Integrative Clinical Psychology and Affective Psychology at the University of Geneva. During her studies, she became particularly interested in systemic thinking and decided to pursue this orientation by completing the post‑graduate training in systemic psychotherapy at the Geneva Systemic Platform.
In parallel to her training and her practice at the Health Social Pole, she works in an association that deals with families, women and adolescents who are perpetrators of violence. She is, therefore, mainly in contact with young people and their families in order to understand how violent behaviours emerge, and what personal strategies can work.
In her practice, she believes it is important to take into account the context and relationships in which a person is involved, in order to be able to best help them find well‑being in their lives.
Lelia Mariotta
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Lelia Mariotta
Lelia Mariotta is a psychologist. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology from the University of Lausanne.
She had various experiences in adult and child psychiatry and is currently undergoing postgraduate training in psychoanalytical psychotherapy at the Psychoanalytic Seminar of the Jurassic Arc.
Valentine Meyrat
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Valentine Meyrat
Valentine Meyrat is a psychologist and psychotherapist training in systemic psychotherapy.
Valentine Meyrat is a psychologist and her role in the psychological service is to welcome students who are looking for support and listening. The aim of the therapeutic interviews she proposes is to reflect on the difficulties you may encounter and to help you find different ways to regain an optimal quality of life.
She holds a Master’s degree in Health Psychology and in Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents from the University of Lausanne. She has worked in a wide range of educational, psychological and psychiatric settings.
Language: French
Aldara Vazquez
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Aldara Vazquez
Aldara Vazquez is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training, with a cognitive‑behavioural orientation (CBT).
She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Cognitive Psychology as well as an advanced Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Geneva. In parallel to her training as a psychotherapist and her practice at the psychological consultation of the Health Social Pole, she works as a neuropsychologist at the HUG Memory Centre.
She is motivated by the idea of creating a space where ideas can be exchanged in a benevolent and trusting manner; a space that encourages collaborative and personalised work towards a better daily well‑being.
Languages: French, Spanish
Erika Wellauer
Psychologist in training for psychotherapy, federally accredited. Right to practice dependent on the canton of Geneva.
Erika Wellauer
Erika Wellauer is a psychologist whose role in the Psychological Service is to receive students who are looking for support or a sympathetic ear. The aim of the interviews is to evaluate your situation in order to guide you towards an adapted care respecting your needs.
Erika Wellauer is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training for psychoanalytical psychotherapy.
She has a Master’s degree 2 in Child and Adolescent Psychology and has worked with adolescents and adults in several institutions in Geneva.
Languages: French, English, Swiss‑German, German