At almost 40, I had a wake-up call
After divorcing the father of my son, I realised I was reaching the halfway point of my life. I began asking myself: who am I, and what do I truly want? This started a journey of self-exploration, leading me to face the corners of myself I had been unaware of — or too afraid to look at. I experimented with different modalities and trained as a therapist in integrated therapies, primarily for my own healing. I also became a Radical Honesty trainer.
I grew up in a dysfunctional family where expressing feelings of any kind (both positive or negative) was frowned upon. It has taken me a long time to learn how to express my joy and pride. I didn’t grow up with a healthy sense of positivity, one that acknowledges the difficult parts of life while still able to see the good in people and situations. Through my journey, I have become passionate about self-expression and self-awareness. I have learned the importance of setting boundaries and speaking up. Again and again, I witness the power of honesty in my life, and I am committed to passing this on — to my son, to those around me, and to those who attend my workshops.
My life’s mission is to help create more love and connection between people through honest sharing and the full expression of feelings, without the need to change oneself or others. I’ve changed my life for the better by being honest and real. My relationships — especially with my son, my parents, and my husband and business partner, Pete — have become more loving, honest and evolving. I strive to say what is important to me, even when I fear the other person’s reaction. I have learned to express anger in a healthy way, to forgive, and to get over stuff.
Though I still struggle at times, I work to step out of the blame game as quickly as possible. Most of the time, I express my appreciation in the moment. And when I catch myself withholding, I try to meet myself with kindness rather than criticism. Unlike before, I rarely make others responsible for my feelings. Best of all, I have learned to ask for what I want — and, to my great joy, I often get it.
Two decades in leadership roles
Before beginning this work, I spent two decades in leadership roles at international non-profit organisations focused on social and environmental justice. Originally from Finland, I have lived in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada.
My approach is both direct and compassionate. I believe personal growth doesn’t have to be heavy; I bring playfulness and humour while also welcoming all emotions, from anger to pride. I don’t shy away from the difficult, scary, or taboo aspects of being human.
I am a Radical Honesty trainer, a graduate of the four-year Human-to-Human Therapy Programme in Finland, and have additional training in trauma, consent and mindful somatic psychotherapy (Hakomi).
I now organise and lead retreats and workshops across Europe with Pete through our company Honesty Europe. Since 2015, we have led more than 160 multi-day in-person retreats and workshops throughout Europe and have supported thousands of people on their journeys toward open and honest communication.
