Therapy for Change
Welcome to book a consultation where we talk about what you want help with. I am a licensed psychologist and have many years of experience in therapy and counselling. If you have previous experience of therapy or seeking therapy for the first time, you are both welcome. You can get help with:
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creating meaningful connections with others
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better self-understanding
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support for change
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connect with new aspects of yourself
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heal trauma and vulnerability
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find more direction and well-being in everyday life, leisure and work
I offer in-depth sessions (individual therapy) at my private practice in Stockholm (Östermalm) and online. Learn more about me here.
What to Expect from Therapy with a Psychologist
At Psychological Forum, clients meet with me (psychologist Maria Sandgren) for individual therapy. We begin with an initial session of 1.5 hours, during which we discuss what you wish to receive help with. I also ask questions about your life situation.
Sessions can take place either at the practice in Östermalm, Stockholm, or online, depending on what suits you best. Available times are spread out Monday through Thursday during the day, with occasional evening appointments.
We typically schedule an additional 1–2 sessions to better tailor the therapy process to your needs. During the sessions, you are welcome to address various issues depending on what feels relevant to you. Common topics include relationships, mental health challenges of various kinds, lack of energy, feelings of being lost, loneliness, stagnation, or processing events that you believe continue to affect you today. Read more about therapy here.
A Holistic View
My education (licensed psychologist, cert ISTDP therapist, and above all, work with psychological science (PhD psychology) has given me a broader perspective on the importance of having a holistic view of what it means to be human:
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people's emotions, thoughts and actions
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their relationships in the past and present
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the contexts in which they find themselves and where they come from
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how changes and challenges in life may have shaped our emotions, thoughts and action
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how body and mind (the sense of being "I") interact
A holistic approach can involve the client and me exploring different aspects of being human, such as the importance of context (family dynamics, cultural clashes). Other times, we may dive into one aspect, such as self-critical thoughts. Others wish to address and heal past traumas. The idea behind a holistic view is that a person cannot be reduced to a few aspects, such as only behaviors or similar.
The Therapeutic Process
In therapy, there is a potential to see things from more perspectives and explore obstacles and opportunities. The main goal of therapy is to help you make a change towards more well-being in the desired direction. In an open and in-depth conversation, it is easier to process and see more angles in areas where problems and stagnation exist.
I am a licensed psychologist and work with affect-focused therapy according to ISTDP (Intensive Short-term Dynamic Therapy), where the client and I work together and actively around the client's desire for change. An essential part of the therapy is to consider emotions that have been given too limited space in life and now prevent closeness, to feel present, to be able to act, to feel well-being and flow in relationships, everyday life, and work.
I have chosen to work with a warmer version of ISTDP, where I include more positive processes than traditional ISTDP therapy generally does. We psychologists and therapists learn a lot about mental illness and problems and less about constructive factors and processes that exist side by side with the issues that a person wants to overcome.
My background is in psychodynamic therapy, and I have always been interested in emotions and their importance for well-being, health, and vitality. Becoming more aware of feelings and also thoughts, and previous and present life paths gives you an understanding of who you are and opens up for desired change. Part of the therapy is about changes that occur on an inner level and later lead to external changes for the client. What was previously unknown often becomes an unexpected force for change.
Contact psychologist Maria Sandgren for therapy
Welcome to book a consultation where we can discuss what you need help with. I am a licensed psychologist and meet with clients at the practice in central Stockholm, Sweden and online.
I can provide support with relationships, anxiety, depression, and other issues and challenges. I offer in-depth conversations (individual therapy) where you can gain perspective and understanding of yourself, as well as facilitate change.