Viivi Elo-Rauta

Licensed Psychologist (Valvira-registered), (she/her)

Master’s degree in clinical psychology, and training in ACT and schema therapy

Finnish and English

Helsinki and Online

I am Valvira licensed psychologist providing psychological therapy in English and Finnish in-person (Helsinki office) as well as online.

I work with difficulties related to depression, anxiety/stress (e.g., obsessive-compulsive symptoms, panic or occupational burnout) and other mood-related symptoms, as well as with long-term unhelpful behavioral patterns, such as recurring interpersonal difficulties/relationship problems or personality disorders. I also work with clients experiencing long-term health conditions and difficulties related to living with chronic conditions. I provide psychological therapy also for couples who wish to work on difficulties such as unhelpful conflict cycles or lack of connection.

After having lived and studied abroad in Canada, the Netherlands and Germany, I have gained an understanding of the difficulties, and benefits, that often emerge from being an expat/immigrant. Moving back to Finland (on several occasions), I also became very familiar with the concept of reversed culture-shock. Since then, I have grown a keen interest in providing psychological help for the international community, the returning Finns, and those of us currently living abroad.

However, I am happy to help you whether you are an international or a Finnish individual looking for psychological therapy. I mainly work with clients above the age of 16, whether to increase well-being, life satisfaction, or to assess and manage emotional, behavioral, and/or cognitive issues. You can contact me for a free phone consultation to help evaluate your situation and my ability to help you before booking a meeting together.

Take the first step to help. Book a 15-min phone call to see if we’re the right fit at viivi@compasspsychology.fi

As A Therapist

My aim is to provide a non-judgmental and supportive space, where you feel safe to discuss difficult topics and concerns. During our meetings, I will try to help you gain a better understanding of the difficulties you experience (e.g., using psychological models) and help you become effective in managing these difficulties outside of therapy. My approach is evidence-based, focusing on cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) approaches, depending on the situation and individual.

The Sessions

The initial session/s focus on understanding your difficulties, and therefore I will be asking you questions and may ask you to fill in a psychological questionnaire or two. At the beginning of therapy, we will also discuss therapy goals together. Throughout our meetings, I will listen, offer validation and support, as well as tools and alternate perspectives that can help you manage the difficulties you experience.

I may give you tasks to do in-between sessions or ask you to fill in a diary (i.e.) to record feelings/thoughts throughout the week, if you are open to it. Every client is different, and we will be evaluating your well-being and adjusting the approach depending on what works or does not work for you.

“

As a therapist, I am empathic and respectful. I wish to create a non-judgmental space where you can feel safe and comfortable to discuss difficult topics. By means of active listening, I will try my best to understand you as a person, your background story, and the issues you experience.

My Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor and Master of Science in clinical psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands, and a neuroscience background gained during my propaedeuse at Maastricht University. My education has equipped me with important knowledge on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Furthermore, I have had training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), short-term interpersonal therapy, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and these are the approaches that I draw majority of my work from. In addition, I have undergone training to work with neurodiversity (i.e., ASD, ADHD), emotionally focused therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, that I incorporate with clients as is helpful.

If you’re looking for a supportive, professional, and results-driven psychologist, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me today to book a 15-min phone call to see if we're the right fit