Maria Tontcheva

Professional Counselor

verified by TherapyRoute

“I support adults through psychological, emotional and relational difficulties, with depth, compassion and respect.”

About Me

I am a qualified counsellor registered in both Switzerland (SGfB) and the UK (BACP), working with adults in Geneva in person and online with clients in the UK and internationally. Before training as a therapist, I spent over a decade working in the financial sector in London, an experience that gives me a genuine understanding of the pressures of high-performance professional environments, career transitions, and the particular weight that ambition can carry. Having lived and worked across different countries myself, I understand firsthand the complexity of building a life far from home, the richness it brings, and the losses it can quietly carry. I work with adults navigating a wide range of difficulties, including burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, shame, life transitions, loss and low self-worth.

Approach

My approach is integrative, trauma-informed and holistic, grounded in Psychosynthesis and shaped by warmth, acceptance and curiosity. Together we explore the parts of your inner world that may be holding you back, patterns rooted in your background, upbringing and relationships, and work towards meaningful change that is aligned with your values and what truly matters to you. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), drawing on a range of tailored techniques including mindfulness, Gestalt practices, breath and somatic work, and creative methods such as drawing and guided imagery. There is no pressure to have the right words or to arrive with clarity. We work at your pace, with compassion, care and respect.

Contact Maria

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Genève, Switzerland

Services

Individual councelling

Services Offered:

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Counseling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about Counseling
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Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling
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Free Consultation
A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.
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Mindfulness
The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.
Learn more about Mindfulness
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Psychoeducation
Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.
Learn more about Psychoeducation
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Stress Management
Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.
Learn more about Stress Management
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Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy
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Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.
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Addiction Counselling
Counselling specifically focused on substance use or behavioural addictions, addressing the psychological drivers and patterns of dependence.
Learn more about Addiction Counselling
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Relationship Counselling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

Works With:

•Adults
•Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

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Anger
An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.
Learn more about Anger
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Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
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Relationship Issues
Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.
Learn more about Relationship Issues
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Behaviour or Conduct Issues
Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.
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Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout
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Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
Learn more about Life Transitions
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PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Learn more about PTSD
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Addiction
A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.
Learn more about Addiction
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Cancer Support
The psychological and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and their loved ones, including fear, grief, and adjustment to treatment.
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Shame
A deep, painful emotion involving the belief that one is fundamentally flawed or unworthy, which can affect self-perception and relationships.
Learn more about Shame

Professional Title:

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Professional Counselor
A counselor qualified to provide professional mental health counselling services.

Qualifications

Psychosynthesis Trust

Regent's University London

Registrations

British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Counsellor

Swiss Association for Counseling (SGfB)

Counsellor

Memberships

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Membership: 411620

Service Area

With Maria Therapy

In-person & Online

Geneve, Genève

Switzerland