Andreea Ramona Gheonea

I am a trained Counselling Psychologist (MA) from Thessaloniki, and I have lived most of my life as an expat, my origin being Romanian. I have been working in the field of social sciences both as a psychologist and as a caseworker for more than 11 years. I have been working with adults who have difficulties in dealing with anxiety, boundary issues, relationship problems, sexual and gender-based violence survivors, suicidal ideation, perfectionism and eating disorders, parenting etc.. In addition, I have been working with teenagers and children, particularly focusing on creating and implementing different comprehensive individual and behaviour modification plans, social stories, play therapy, psychological support and in-person counselling. Concerning my volunteering experience, I have been actively providing support to adolescents and adults who struggle with stress, anxiety and panic attacks, low self-esteem, grief, phobia and depression to a non-profit online psychological counselling service. On the other hand, working in the humanitarian sector with a crisis-affected population helped in making me more aware of the population's various challenges, expectations and needs while trying to adapt to a different culture. Some of the major responsibilities I have had as a caseworker, also while working in the child protection sector, was providing psychosocial support, developing beneficiary work plans that promote independence, empower and give self-confidence, case management, and awareness-raising on the rights and entitlements the population has. The compassion, empathy, and ability to communicate clearly help me understand diverse cultural norms and traditions, and effectively interact with individuals from all walks of life.