How Patrick Santilli Went from the Geneva Police Force to Psychology – Take Control Now Podcast

In this episode of Take Control Now, I had the pleasure of welcoming Patrick Santilli, a man with a truly remarkable journey. Having trained as an optician, pursued theology out of passion, and then served as a police officer for over 14 years in Geneva, Patrick underwent a profound career transformation to become an independent psychologist and coach.

An Unconventional Path

Patrick holds nothing back: a difficult childhood, a chaotic academic journey, and yet an unwavering ability to bounce back. An optician, then a theology graduate, he went on to join the Geneva police force where he would spend more than a decade on the ground, notably in the Pâquis neighbourhood.
But over the years, a growing need for variety and intellectual stimulation pushed him to explore new horizons.

The Turning Point and Career Change

After suffering from anxiety and depression and being on sick leave for two years, Patrick used that period to enrol in psychology studies at the University of Geneva. Supported by disability insurance throughout his transition, he persevered all the way to a master's degree and opened his own practice.

Psychologist… and Content Creator

Today, Patrick sees clients in his practice, but he also has a strong presence on social media. With over 30,000 followers on Facebook and 20,000 on Instagram, he shares his thoughts and advice candidly, embracing a direct — sometimes polarising — communication style.
As he puts it himself: "I'm not for everyone. But for some people, I'm exactly what they need."

Key Takeaways

In the episode, Patrick highlights several powerful ideas:

• Fear is the main obstacle to change: "Fear is a signal to pay attention, not a stop sign."
• The weight of limiting beliefs: "We live according to our beliefs. If you believe you're not capable, you won't be."
• The importance of gratitude and progress as the foundations of happiness.

Where to Find Patrick Santilli

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Website

👉 A powerful episode that shows nothing is set in stone — even after a well-established career, reinventing yourself is always possible.