“Few things, in my opinion, bring as much joy as meaningful conversations, a clearly written book, learning something new about life and oneself, or a good laugh.”
Perhaps it’s my Karelian roots, but I believe life should always be approached with a glint of humor in the eye. Even the darkest scenes can gain a brighter perspective when you shift your viewpoint, and even the heaviest burden becomes lighter when you break it down into parts. I believe that life experience and diverse jobs have taught me more than anything else—so long as I’ve kept my eyes and heart open, ears attuned, and known when to bend and when to stand firm. Mental flexibility is a tool everyone needs in their life skills toolbox.
I often reflect on my previous work in a school setting, where the greatest opportunities for personal growth came from working with neurodiverse children and youth. The journey was full of variety: practicing everyday and emotional regulation skills, learning to live free of substances, and developing interaction skills. In my role as an instructor, I often considered how I could walk alongside someone and encourage them to develop their skills while ensuring that acceptance, respect for their goals, and encouragement were always present. That’s what a therapist does too—only now, I’m doing it slightly differently.
Moving from Finland brought new opportunities, and now our life is steadied by a more consistent amount of Cyprus sunshine and two cats who take a very relaxed approach to life. My studies in solution-focused therapy will be completed online, and during this time, I had the chance to delve deeper into three of my favorite topics in the field: neuroscience, developmental psychology, and the art of shifting perspectives. These are areas we will definitely be sharing thoughts on during therapy!
I’m not sure what else you might need to know about me. I’m an ordinary yet unusual person, raised in Ostrobothnia with a legacy of intergenerational trauma, dreaming of a small cabin in the Finnish wilderness, while also happily growing citrus trees on my balcony. It’s an honor for me that you allow me to visit the wondrous world of your mind and that you trust me enough to share even your most painful experiences, if you feel it’s necessary. I strive to be genuinely present, respectful, and insightful, so that we don’t overlook anything that might be truly significant from the perspective of your quality of life. I will challenge your thought patterns if you wish, and there will also be times when we acknowledge that what you need more is comfort and understanding, rather than alternative ways to view your situation.
In the therapy space, I believe all emotions are welcome, even the most difficult ones, as they provide valuable insights into what you have collected along your life’s journey.
In the end, we all want to live a good and meaningful life, no matter what it looks like for each of us!”
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapist (50 ECTS, including psychological competencies), 2025
- Special Needs Instructor for Children and Youth, 2020