Veera Alanärä
Valvira licensed psychologist, (she/her)
Master’s degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Milano-Bicocca; Further training in cognitive-integrative short-term therapy (SIRIA-certified Training)
Finnish, English, and Italian
Espoo and Online
I am a Valvira-licensed psychologist working with adults and young people aged 16 years and over experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and other psychological difficulties, as well as those going through difficult periods or major life changes.
There are times in life when we can feel lost, overwhelmed or uncertain about the way forward. My aim is to offer a space where you can feel heard and understood, explore your situation without judgement, and begin to find your footing again. Together, we can work towards greater clarity about what is happening in your life, what matters to you and what you want the next chapter of your life to look like.
Having lived abroad in Italy and the Seychelles for almost 30 years and recently returned to Finland, I have personal experience of living between cultures and navigating the transitions this can bring.
However, you do not need an international background to benefit from our work together. I welcome anyone who would like support in understanding themselves and navigating a difficult period in life.
Take the first step to help. Book a 15-min phone call to see if we’re the right fit at veera@compasspsychology.fi
- 104€ for a 45-minute weekly psychotherapy session
- 114€ for a 50-minute consultation
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT)
- Integrative Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Monday - Friday: 9AM-4PM
My Approach to Therapy
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is integrative, which means that I draw on different therapeutic methods and perspectives to understand your situation and your individual needs. We explore what you are going through and look for ways to understand your difficulties and respond to them differently.
My work draws primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive-analytic therapy (CAT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and narrative approaches. I see therapy as an active process, combining reflection and exploration with practical exercises.
My Training
I have a master’s degree (MSc) in clinical psychology from the University of Milano-Bicocca and have completed further training in cognitive-integrative short-term therapy (SIRIA-certified Training).
My professional development has also included training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-analytic approaches (CAT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and mindfulness facilitation. I have also undertaken training in supporting neurodivergent individuals, with a focus on everyday challenges, executive functioning, attention and stress regulation.
What We Can Work on Together
You may be facing a major life change, struggling with uncertainty, questioning your direction in life or trying to understand recurring difficulties in your thoughts, feelings or relationships. You may also be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress or exhaustion.
You do not need to have a clearly defined problem or a specific goal before coming to therapy. Sometimes, it is enough to feel that something is not quite right and to want to understand yourself and your situation better.
What to Expect from Our Sessions
Our work begins with understanding what has brought you to therapy. Together, we can clarify what you would like to work on and what you hope to gain from our sessions.
As our work progresses, we may explore recurring patterns, consider different perspectives and try out new ways of responding to difficult situations. Depending on what we are working on, I may suggest practical exercises or reflections between sessions, helping you put what you learn into practice in everyday life.
The process develops through our collaboration, with room to reflect, make adjustments and work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
My International Background
Having lived in Italy for more than 25 years as an immigrant and in the Seychelles as an expat, I have experienced different ways of building a life in another country. Returning to Finland after many years away has also given me insight into the challenges of returning to a country that may feel both familiar and different.
I have also worked with immigrants in a transcultural setting. These experiences have deepened my interest in how life transitions and cultural contexts shape our sense of identity, belonging and meaning in life. While I have a particular interest in these questions, I welcome anyone seeking psychological support, whatever their background.
