In times of stress, struggle and crisis, life can be held in the music and arts
Discover the spark of creativity, joy, and meaning, even in times of challenge
To help people live and work more creatively and attain better quality of life brings me great joy and meaning. My work and view of humanity are based on a relational, existential, and holistic approach.
As a Music Therapist, Expressive Arts Therapist, GIM Therapist, Licensed Psychotherapist, and supervisor in psychotherapy, I lead the training in Expressive Arts in Stockholm, Sweden. I have been teaching these methods for about 35 years, both in Scandinavia and internationally, through longer training programs and shorter workshops.
Additionally, for many years I have been engaged as both teacher and Associate Professor in the Master's Program in Expressive Arts Therapy at the University of South-East Norway. Today I am involved at the Expressive Arts Psychotherapy Program at the Norwegian Institute for Arts and Communication, and as a supervisor at the Doctoral Program in Expressive Arts at European Graduate School (EGS) in Switzerland. I have a part-time private practice taking clients for individual psychotherapy and supervision (both online and in person) and am happy to work in English.
“A spontaneous gesture, a sculpted form, the textured painted surface, the movement and dynamics of music are tangible expressions of the fabric of life. Imagery can contain answers and point towards solutions to the problems one is working with”
Research
PhD, licensed psychotherapist, music and Expressive Arts therapist, GIM therapist, supervisor, and teacher in psychotherapy. Co-founder of Expressive Arts Stockholm
In the spring of 2018, I defended my thesis on psychotherapy with arts-based methods for women after gynecological cancer. The project was a collaboration between Aalborg University, Expressive Arts Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, and Karolinska Institute. The results showed that we have good scientific support for this methodology.
The relevance and background for developing this study was based in my experiences of clinical work in psychiatry and private practice together with my deep-rooted interest and trust in working with music and imagery as powerful change agents. In addition, on a more personal I have witnessed how cancer has affected members of my extended family, close friends, and colleagues.
Cancer is a “before – and after” experience – it hits a person with existential experiences concerning living, surviving, and meaning making. In facing these big questions, the arts can provide powerful, comforting, and often surprising avenues for growth and profound understanding of how to live one’s precious life more fully in the present moment.
The decisions, experiences, and challenges encountered by the many women participating in the study touched me to the core as a fellow woman and professional. It showed me of how immensely powerful and resourceful we can become when needed.
The results of the study showed a strong and significant support of arts-based methods in dealing with depression, anxiety and distress for women in the aftermath of a cancer illness. In my private practice I combine the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), KMR-Brief Music Journeys, and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I regularly deliver presentations, workshops, and trainings within my field of expertise both in Scandinavia and Internationally.
Read a few of my articles!
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In the therapy room
I meet people facing acute and chronic stress, illness, aging, trauma, and loss. In the work we combine talking with in a range of different arts modalities, with music being the central core. I'm passionate about supporting those I encounter to develop their creative potential to improve their self-esteem, and develop a more accepting relationship with their bodies and sexuality.
Spiritual and existential questions hold an important place, as does creating meaning and life-affirming content.
“When we play, I think we open the imagination inside each of us. And when we play together, that play-space is even larger, because we get engaged and invited in each others worlds, and that experience is sacred.”
Life as a
musical score
I was born in Sweden in 1956 and I grew up in two diverse places that have impacted my life. First Gothenburg my birthplace, the second largest city located on the west-coast, where my mother is from. Around the age of one we moved to Kiruna, north above the artic circle where the Northern Lights shimmer, the place where my father was raised. Later we came back to Gothenburg, mainly for the musical opportunities offered there. The buzzing musical and cultural events of city life and open spacious nature - with grand mountains, flowing waters and deep forests - are the two places I continue to long for and move between.
Since many years I live with my family in the heart of Stockholm and have a house on an island in the archipelago of the Baltic Sea. This is a place of wild life, singing streams, and mineral-rich sweet-water lakes for swimming. Here the sky is soft dark and holding during winter nights, to be contrasted with the summers, when we bathe in an abundance of light, gaiety and lush green. Between these polarities I have my practice, working both live and online. Thanks to the wonders of technology, I feel privileged for the opportunity to meet people all over the world.
The image that I have carried along since my youth is experiencing life as a score where the different instruments and voices constitute various themes, parts, commitments, and projects in my life. In times of stress, struggle and crisis, the knowing that my whole life can be held in the music, has provided a tremendous comfort. This beginning, steeped in intersubjectivity through music making and listening, is the relational base of my therapeutic practice in working with clients and students.
Testimonials from workshop participants
"The methods of Expressive Arts methods and deep knowledge in therapy and self-development work are a fantastic source for both strength and rest."
Jessica Eldenstjärna
"Get to know yourself through your senses. Art and music opened up completely unknown parts of myself when I took the Introduction workshop to Expressive Arts. Recommended for the curious who want to increase their joy and self-awareness."
Olle Leckne
"Learning to apply the artistic languages has been incredibly enriching, both for me as a therapist and is highly appreciated by my clients. The EXA methodology provides a valuable deepened dimension in therapy work, something I had previously been missing."
Charlotte Forsberg
"Thank you, dear all, for a couple of fantastic days. It has been challenging, delicate, powerful, beautiful, loving, and what insights one gains along the way. Thank you for providing a safe space for exploration and for creating such a beautiful environment for our group."
Anonymous
"This is among the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I've ever done! Participated in spring 2011 with Margareta Wärja as the group leader. Highly recommended."
Eva Almqvist
"Expressive Arts is fantastic! I took Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy and was so delighted that I later furthered my education in the methodology as a therapist. Two absolutely delightful, playful, creative, and life-affirming years!"