Helinä Häkkänen

EMDR Consultant · EMDR Europe

EMDR

EMDR has been the core of my work for 15 years. I work with it in four roles: therapist, EMDR Consultant, researcher and developer of methods.

What EMDR is

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy method in which disturbing memories are processed with the help of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. The World Health Organization recommends it for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. I use EMDR therapy in many kinds of situations. What my clients most have in common is the wish to let go of a difficult experience that carries disturbing emotions.

Experience and qualifications

  1. 2026Keynote speaker, EMDR Europe Conference, Oslo.
  2. 2026EMDR Apps mobile app launched.
  3. 2021EMDR Consultant, EMDR Europe.
  4. 2020Article on EMDR in the treatment of complicated grief, Duodecim.
  5. 2018–2023Board member, Finnish EMDR Association.
  6. 2013Licensed psychotherapist.
  7. 2010EMDR basic training (Levels I and II), later further training in complex trauma, the group protocol, complicated grief, depression and EMDR with children.

App

EMDR Apps

EMDR Apps: Ground Clear Build is a mobile app I developed for self-guided work. It is based on EMDR principles and uses bilateral stimulation to work with stressful memories, pressure and performance blocks. It holds thirteen programs for different situations, from sport and business to legal processes, sleep and fear, and runs on iPhone, iPad and Android.

The app is not a medical device and does not replace professional care.

See the app: emdrapps.com
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Trademarks

Besides the EMDR Apps app, I have developed two EMDR-based methods. Both services are protected by trademark through my company.

Witness Preparation® (WITNESSPR)

Witness Preparation® (WITNESSPR) is a psychological method, based on EMDR technique, for preparing a person for a court hearing. It frees the person from unnecessary stress and performance pressure around the coming hearing so that they can give their best possible testimony. I have trained hundreds of EMDR therapists in Finland and abroad in the method.

BLS Online Help®

BLS Online Help® is an EMDR-based protocol and group method delivered remotely. It is designed above all as a tool for supervision and was developed in group supervision for social services professionals. It is used to process negative experiences connected with shared work experiences.

Helinä Häkkänen giving a keynote at the EMDR Europe Conference in Oslo

Keynote · Oslo · June 2026

EMDR Europe Conference 2026

In June 2026 I was the first Finnish EMDR expert to give a keynote at the EMDR Europe Conference in Oslo. My talk was on the use of EMDR therapy with clients involved in legal proceedings.

Research

Over the years I have studied the use and effectiveness of EMDR in the research team I lead at the University of Helsinki. Our pilot study on EMDR with clients involved in legal proceedings has been presented at EMDR Europe conferences. In a study now under way, users of the EMDR Apps: Ground Clear Build app can choose to take part in research testing the effectiveness of an EMDR mobile app.

Current studies

  • EMDR Apps studyOutcome data shared voluntarily and anonymously by app users, in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. emdrapps.com

Publications

  • Häkkänen-Nyholm, H., Heinimaa, M., & Solomon, R. (2020). The Use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the Treatment of Complicated Grief Following the Loss of a Loved One. [in Finnish] Duodecim 136(17), 1889–94.
  • Häkkänen-Nyholm, H. & Häkli, E. (2019). Views of Legal Professionals and Psychotherapists on Traumatisation and Its Effects on Testimonial Evidence. [in Finnish] Defensor Legis 6/2019.

Work with me

For clients

EMDR therapy and EMDR-based mental coaching at Mindroot.

For EMDR therapists

Training and supervision for EMDR therapists.

For organisations

Training and talks on EMDR, trauma and the psychology of legal proceedings, in Finnish and English.

Contact