A safe space for recovery
"Do you feel that past experiences overshadow your present?"
I am a licensed trauma psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and registered nurse, registered with Valvira, the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. I specialize in trauma therapy for children, and I also work with adolescents and adults. I have long experience in psychiatric nursing and therapeutic work.
As a therapist, I am empathetic and active, and I give you the space you need. Building a confidential and safe working relationship, where you are heard and met as you are, matters deeply to me. You are welcome just as you are.
My approach is integrative: alongside trauma psychotherapy, I flexibly use other methods, such as stabilizing body-awareness exercises, always based on your needs. With children, I work through play and activity-based methods. I am currently deepening my skills through training in sensorimotor psychotherapy and EMDR for children.
I see clients in Oulu at Kokokeho and Terapiatalo Noste. We can also meet online, in English or Finnish.
Areas of expertise
People often come to me because of trauma-related symptoms, life crises or mood difficulties. I help children, adolescents and adults find new strength.
Trauma therapy for children and adolescents
Age-appropriate trauma therapy through play and activity-based methods. Even difficult experiences can be worked through safely, without having to put everything into words.
Trauma psychotherapy
Stabilizing and integrative treatment to restore a sense of safety. We process traumatic memories step by step and safely.
EMDR therapy
A well-researched eye movement therapy for traumatic memories and distressing images. It helps ease the weight of the past.
Anxiety & Panic
Ways to manage symptoms, calm the nervous system and face fears in a safe setting.
Depression & Mood
Support for recovery, finding hope and strengthening your own resources in everyday life.
Life crises
Help with sudden changes, loss and adjusting to turning points in life.
Relationship problems
Tools for communication, setting boundaries and working through difficulties with closeness.
Self-esteem & Burnout
Practising self-compassion, working on high self-demands and support in recovering from exhaustion.
Eating disorders
Gentle understanding and support with eating difficulties and healing your relationship with your body.
About therapy
What is trauma psychotherapy?
Trauma psychotherapy is goal-oriented treatment that aims to relieve trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, difficulties regulating arousal, and dissociation. Trauma is not just an event in the past; it is often a trace that the event has left in the nervous system.
I work with a three-phase treatment model:
- Stabilization: We build safety, learn emotion regulation skills and strengthen everyday functioning. This is often the longest and most important phase.
- Processing: Traumatic memories are processed in a controlled way, for example with EMDR or trauma-focused conversation.
- Integration: New understanding becomes part of your life story, and your focus turns to the future.
How does trauma therapy for children work?
With a child, we move at the child's own pace and level of development. Through play, activity-based methods and body-based exercises, a child can work through experiences safely, even before they can talk about everything.
Parents and other close adults are a child's most important source of safety, so I work closely with them too.
EMDR – how does it work?
This process activates the brain's own healing mechanisms. The aim is not to forget what happened, but to change the memory so that it no longer triggers strong anxiety or an "alarm state" in the present.
Who is therapy for?
Children, adolescents and adults are all welcome. Therapy can help if difficult experiences – such as violence, an accident, loss or maltreatment – show up in everyday life as anxiety, sleep problems, flashbacks or difficulty trusting others. In children, symptoms may also appear as changes in behaviour or play.
Depression, life crises, relationship difficulties and eating disorders are also common reasons to seek help. If you are not sure whether therapy is right for you or your child, feel free to ask me.
How does therapy start?
Get in touch by phone or email, or book a session online. At the first session, we get to know each other and explore together what brings you to therapy and what you hope to get from it. After that, you can take your time to consider whether working together feels right.
Are online sessions possible?
Yes. We can also meet online via video, in English or Finnish. Online sessions work well, for example, if you live far away or have a busy everyday life.
Practical matters & Kela
- Kela rehabilitative psychotherapy: Long-term therapy for people aged 16–67, for up to three years. To apply, you need a B statement from a psychiatrist.
- Demanding medical rehabilitation: Kela can also reimburse psychotherapy for children and adolescents. Applying requires an assessment by a child, adolescent or adult psychiatrist.
- Self-paying clients: You can also come without a referral, for example for a shorter period of therapy or crisis support.
- Insurance: Many insurance policies cover short-term psychotherapy or EMDR. You can check your cover with your insurance company.
Locations and booking
I see clients at two locations in Oulu and online. You can call, send an email or book online – whichever suits you best.
Kokokeho, Oulu
Koskitie 8, 90500 Oulu
Bookings and enquiries by phone or email.
+358 45 783 98572
annika.nurmenniemi@kokokeho.fi
Terapiatalo Noste, Oulu
Book a session easily through Noste's online booking.
You can also ask about available times by email:
annika.nurmenniemi@terapiatalonoste.fi
Online sessions available • English and Finnish • Kela rehabilitative psychotherapy, demanding medical rehabilitation and self-paying clients
If you need urgent help, call the emergency number 112 or the MIELI Crisis Helpline 09 2525 0111 (open 24/7, in Finnish).