Tommi Sarlin

Integrative psychotherapist and cognitive brief therapist.

Together with the client, I seek a way of working that best serves their individual needs. After getting to know each other, we agree on the goals we will work towards.

Working together can be compared to rowing: we sit side by side on the middle bench, each with our own oar. We decide together which direction to take and aim to row in cooperation, taking each other into account as we move toward our shared goal. Before we begin, we go through what happens in psychotherapy in sufficient detail, so there’s no need to worry about that.


I emphasize the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, which research shows is one of the most reliable predictors of successful psychotherapy. I see therapy as a relationship between two people – one that benefits from regular reflection and open dialogue between therapist and client.

Change becomes possible when a client’s thoughts and emotions are reflected back with enough clarity and depth. Exploring and supporting this change in my clients’ lives is what inspires me in my work as a psychotherapist.

You are welcome to reach out to me with a wide range of psychological challenges. I don’t exclude any issue by default; what matters most is that our interaction feels meaningful and effective. There is always hope: transformation, growth, and healing can happen when a person fully accepts their current situation—no matter how painful, frightening, or unwanted it may be.

I strive to offer a calming experience of being with another person who is genuinely interested, yet never intrusive. Ultimately, creating well-being—in emotional life, close relationships, and even in the body—is a learnable skill, and often requires the support of another human being.

At its core, psychotherapy aims to help the client better understand their own mind. This deeper self-awareness can lead not only to improved coping with symptoms, but also to greater self-acceptance and a stronger sense of agency in life.

I am a licensed integrative psychotherapist (Valvira, KELA), a cognitive brief therapist, Master of Theology, and a facilitator of silent retreats. I have been working as a therapist since 2014. My previous experience in helping professions includes working with survivors of violence, in church family counseling and in child protection services. I have also worked as a journalist and author.
You can find more information on the Suojasatama Facebook page, although I update it only occasionally.

I draw from various approaches within cognitive psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as mentalization and attachment theory. I have long been engaged in supervision with both psychodynamic and emotion-focused orientations.

Let’s be in touch!