Meet our Team
As experts in our fields we collaborate to provide holistic treatment for every patient
Team Members
Dr. Chiara S. Haller is the founder and CEO of Cognicreate Clinic, with locations in Switzerland and the United States. Internationally active, she is the author of numerous publications and known for her innovative integration of neuroscientific evidence, creativity, mindfulness, and clinical practice.
Dr. Haller is a federally certified specialist in neuropsychology and psychotherapy in Switzerland, and a licensed clinical (neuro-)psychologist in the United States of America (NY & MA). Her supervision can be counted toward licensure n in the US as well as in Switzerland (EAN certified). She is a internationally recognized expert in the fields of creativity research, giftedness, high sensitivity, and neurodiversity and evidence-based approaches to mental health. Her academic career led her to Harvard University and Harvard Medical School in 2010, where she since held faculty appointments, conducted research in neuroscience, taught, and supervised as a neuroscientist and clinical practitioner.
Her research includes the development of a formula to quantify person characteristics of highly creative individuals, the development of a method to assess creativity, studies on the impact of mindful-creativity, personality, and health of relatives of patients with traumatic brain injury, investigations into the structural and functional brain correlates of symptom severity in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions and more. She has contributed to clinical trials and peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Neuroimage, Frontiers in Psychology, The Journal of Creative Behavior, and The Clinical Neuropsychologist.
She has extensive clinical experience in the neuropsychological assessment and treatment of brain injuries, brain tumors, degenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, psychosomatic conditions, and chronic pain. Her background as a professional dancer and visual artist informs her work in creativity research and therapy, particularly in resolving creative blocks using mindfulness-based, creativity-focused approaches.
With over a decade of service as a disaster mental health expert for the American Red Cross disaster release operations in the acute phase, Dr. Haller also brings deep expertise in emergency and disaster psychology.
With the founding of Cognicreate Clinic, she has established an interdisciplinary space for diagnostics, therapy, research, and education—always with the goal of recognizing and activating each individual’s full potential.
What Others Say
“Dr. Haller is distinguished by her exceptionally empathetic patient care. What stands out most is her clear and unbiased communication. She goes far beyond what is expected, continually reflecting, growing, and adapting her methods to the latest state of research and clinical practice — always with the goal of finding the best possible solution for her patients.” “Dr. Haller is distinguished by her exceptionally empathetic patient care. What stands out most is her clear and unbiased communication. She goes far beyond what is expected, continually reflecting, growing, and adapting her methods to the latest state of research and clinical practice — always with the goal of finding the best possible solution for her patients.”
“Dr. Haller is faithful to her own visions, creative in her research, willing to roll up her sleeves and get down to work all the while having the intelligence to do so efficiently “
“In short, Dr. Haller is creative, unconventional and brilliant.”
“Dr. Chiara Haller is a gem. I have known her for nearly 16 years — first as my postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, where she researched creativity and mindfulness in individuals with severe traumatic brain injury, and later as a faculty member leading her own funded projects. There is a great need for gifted professionals who are both passionate scientists and equally thoughtful clinicians, while remaining deeply caring toward their patients. Dr. Haller embodies all of these qualities. She is an extraordinary asset, and I have no doubt that future patients will be grateful for her care. It should be clear that I give Dr. Haller my highest recommendation without any reservation.”
"Dr. Haller brings a unique, science-based approach to creativity. Enriched by solid scientific training at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, as well as artistic pursue throughout her life, Dr. Haller has an extraordinary way of inspiring those around her and helping them access new dimensions of their creative potential. Working with her has always been uplifting, and inspiring more curiosity and openness in my work and life."
"I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Haller since her post-doctoral years and later as faculty at Harvard Medical School. As a member of the Program in Psychiatry and the Law, a widely recognized medicolegal think tank, she has been a valued presence for over a decade. Her thoughtful and insightful contributions to our weekly multidisciplinary discussions, along with her willingness to share her research and present her findings, have earned her the respect of her colleagues and made her a highly regarded member of the Program."
“Dr. Haller is a gifted, brilliant and profoundly creative researcher. Her work manifests her exceptional intellectual abilities as well as her candid strive to improve the lives of patients and their families. As a mentor and generous colleague, she coached me when I was preparing for a very important job interview. She helped me refine my thoughts and prepare for the presentation. I got the Professorship! (as a matter of fact, I was offered the 5 out of 5 I had presented for)”
“Dr. Haller is an extraordinary person. In my forty years of professional experience, I have never met anyone quite like her. She has the remarkable ability to defuse dangerous situations within moments and to guide diverse, vulnerable, and often oppositional individuals toward voluntary collaboration—without ever showing the slightest hint of nuisance about the challenging conditions we have to work under.”
“Dr. Haller is one of the most well-informed, warm-hearted, and creative clinical practitioners I have met in my thirty-five years of private practice as a psychotherapist. She combines a keen researcher’s mind with a deeply relational sensibility in her interactions with patients and colleagues. Consulting with her has been both instructive and joyful.”
“I have known Dr. Haller since 2011, both as a neuropsychologist at Harvard Medical School and as a neuroscientist at Harvard University. After her intensive training through a dual fellowship, she was appointed to the Harvard Medical School faculty in 2013, where she taught, supervised, conducted research, and worked clinically. She is a clinical neuropsychologist and psychotherapist with reflexivity, a sense of humor, intelligent, flexible, and creative, who - even on little sleep - approaches complex cases with joy, curiosity, and a constant openness to complexity.”
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Asimina Lazaridou is a licensed clinical psychologist in the United States (MA) and a federally certified psychotherapist in Switzerland, specializing in psychological pain management. She completed her training at the renowned Pain Management Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School), where she gained extensive experience working with chronic pain, somatic symptom disorders, and comorbid mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. She is proficient in various evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions (MBCT, ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Since 2020, she has served as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where she teaches, conducts research, and trains professionals in evidence-based pain psychotherapy and mindfulness-based treatments. She further serves as the lead researcher at Schulthess Clinic.
Dr. Lazaridou is internationally recognized for her research on the role of emotion regulation, mindfulness, and neurobiological mechanisms in chronic pain. She has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals including Pain, The Journal of Pain, and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, and has contributed to studies on functional imaging, neuroplasticity, and psychosomatic interventions.
At Cognicreate, she brings her international clinical and research expertise to the psychotherapeutic treatment of individuals with chronic pain, somatic symptom burden, and affective disorders. Her goal is to support lasting improvements in quality of life and psychological stability through integrative, mindfulness-oriented methods.
What Others Say
Lorenzo Bertelli brings over 20 years of international experience in clinical research and process optimization to the Cognicreate Clinic. His expertise in vendor oversight, trial management, and strategic organizational development supports the clinic in implementing innovative, evidence-based care models. As a systems thinker with a strong background in large pharmaceutical companies (including Takeda, Novartis, and Eli Lilly), he combines regulatory knowledge with adeep understanding of quality assurance, ethical standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
At Cognicreate Clinic, Lorenzo Bertelli contributes to strategic development, process optimization, and communication across diagnostics, therapy, and research. He also serves as a coach for establishing sustainable, human-centered structures that enable evidence-based care while fostering creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange. As a multilingual communicator and systems-oriented leader, he excels at clarifying complex processes and guiding individuals and teams through change and growth.
What Others Say
“Lorenzo Bertelli approaches every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.”
“Lorenzo Bertelli is a thoughtful leader who trusts and empowers the team to strive for excellence. He was outstanding and significantly exceeded our expectations.”
Sani Barhanović is a licensed psychotherapist in Croatia and a counselor accredited by the Swiss Association for Counselling (SGfB). She offers psychological counseling based on Gestalt therapy approaches. Her work integrates holistic, experience-based methods with a deep sensitivity for individual life realities. She supports individuals in deepening their self-awareness, uncovering inner resources, and actively shaping their personal development processes.
A central focus of her work lies in bridging psychosocial support with broader societal themes – particularly in exploring gender roles, identity, relationship structures, and diversity. Within this space, she creates safe environments for reflection, re-evaluation, and authentic self-expression. Her approach is consistently respectful, empowering, and process-oriented.
In addition to her role at Cognicreate, Sani Barhanović has been active in youth work for many years, particularly in the psychosocial support of adolescents facing challenging life circumstances. She is also engaged in intercultural, educational, and social projects, drawing on astrong academic background in sociology, gender studies, and philosophy. Her work is groundedin research on topics such as social power dynamics, identity formation, and ethical inquiry.
What Others Say
“Sani Barhanović is an exceptionally competent colleague whom I came to know and appreciate during our training in Gestalt therapy. Her attentive and calm manner creates a trusting atmosphere in which people feel safe to open up. She combines patience with humor and has the gift of keen observation, always able to capture the essence of a situation with clarity. With her keen sense for emotional undercurrents, she creates space for others to express themselves authentically. Working with her was inspiring, enriching, and marked by the highest standards of professionalism.”
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Youth Coach & Voice Specialist For over a decade, Jann Burgstaller has supported adolescents, their families, and school staff through periods of transition and challenge. With dual qualifications as a teacher and coach, as well as extensive experience as a choir director and vocal coach, he creates creative pathways to self-expression, agency, and relationship development. At Cognicreate, he serves as a vital link between schools, families, and psychology, integrating his expertise in vocal work and group facilitation into his coaching approach.
His method is resource-oriented, empathetic, and relationship-centered. Especially with young people navigating school-related or personal transitions, he succeeds in building trust and opening spaces for growth. Drawing from music education, systemic counseling, and hands-on group work, he fosters self-reflection, self-esteem, and communication skills. In working with parents, educators, and teams, he skillfully addresses areas of tension, builds bridges, and supports collaborative action.
What Others Say
Robert Brown brings over 24 years of international experience at the intersection of personal development, experiential learning, and physical well-being. In using Integrative Experiential Learning (I.E.L.), he merges corporate training, outdoor adventure, mindfulness, and yoga into dynamic, personalized programs that foster self-awareness, motivation, and purposeful action.
A seasoned facilitator and coach, Robert has led corporate programs and retreats across Europe and Southeast Asia for clients such as Microsoft, IKEA, Volvo, Continental Tires, and PWC. Hisworkshop topics include mindfulness, breathing techniques, DISC-based team dynamics, leadership development, and creativity training. He is known for adapting his diverse toolbox to the unique needs of each client, whether working with management teams, running wellness sessions, or guiding individuals one-on-one toward clarity and meaningful change.
In addition to his corporate work, Robert is a long-time yoga teacher and certified water sports instructor, offering Hatha yoga, mindful yoga retreats, and instruction in windsurfing and wingfoil in Spain, Greece, and Italy. He has collaborated with organizations such as AVS – Circolo Velico di Senigallia and Circolo Windsurf di Fano.
Robert’s work is guided by the belief that learning is less about acquiring and more about revealing what already lies within. His sessions are often described as a rare mix of calm, energy,creativity, and care—transformative experiences that support personal authenticity and sustainable growth.
At Cognicreate, Robert contributes to interdisciplinary projects involving coaching, physical embodiment, group facilitation, and experiential learning. His presence adds a uniquely holistic dimension to the clinic’s mission of activating human potential through science, creativity, and integrated approaches to well-being.
What Others Say
“We participated in two workshops with Robert Brown — one on team building about five years ago, and another on creativity and innovation last year. Both delivered excellent results, thanks to his unique and highly effective methodology. Robert is truly an expert at mobilizing teams.”
“Robert Brown is a fabulous facilitator! He has taught us how yoga, dance, and play in team-building activities have a transformative power and foster creativity.”
“Working with Robert Brown strengthens team bonds by allowing each individual to express their true essence and guiding them to bring out their best.”
“I want to thank you for supporting me in my growth—whether we call it development, change, or discovery. Through our sessions, I’ve gained a clearer sense of who I am. I know there’s still a path ahead of me, but I feel I’m making progress. I’m more attentive now, more present in parts of my life I had neglected for far too long. And even though it’s still challenging—especially as I continue to work far too many hours—I’m striving for greater balance in everything.”
“Through experiential learning, we have strengthened our bonds, developed numerous skills and competencies, while promoting teamwork as a core value at IKEA. Above all, we have reinforced the idea that it is not enough to take steps that may one day lead to a particular goal; each step must be a goal in and of itself.”
“Learning through experience develops the ability to share the best of oneself.”
Dr. Melissa Sánchez Ruiz is a medical doctor trained at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, with several years of clinical experience in both Colombia and Germany. Her approach to care integrates conventional medical training with holistic and mindfulness-based principles, giving equal importance to the body, mind, and spirit. Her goal is not only to preserve health but to promote sustainable well-being—personally, compassionately, and responsibly.
Alongside her clinical practice, Dr. Sánchez Ruiz has pursued extensive training in emotional health, complementary therapies, Reiki, biological decoding of illness, coaching, and neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Her integrative path reflects a deep commitment to supporting patients on every level—resolving internal blockages, activating healing potential, and accompanying each person with warmth and clarity.
At Cognicreate, she contributes her international medical expertise and mindfulness-based perspective to interdisciplinary projects, particularly in the areas of health coaching, integrative medicine, and culturally sensitive care. Guided by empathy and purpose, Dr. Sánchez Ruiz is passionate about using her profession to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What Others Say