Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Psychotherapy in Copenhagen and Online Worldwide

Book individual therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy with Licensed Clinical Psychologist Karin von Daler – available online worldwide or in my clinic in Copenhagen.

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I'm Karin von Daler...

I love working creatively with life transformation. I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Expressive Arts Therapist REAT. I help people heal trauma, reduce stress, and come home to themselves through their natural creativity.

Our creativity can help us become more whole — within ourselves and in our relationships. Creativity connects the body, feelings, thoughts, and people. And through creativity, what's difficult to understand through words alone can take form, allowing us to explore and transform what's happening within and between us.

I have over 30 years of international experience as a therapist

MORE ABOUT KARIN

Therapy with me is holistic and grounded in:

Connection

Connect with yourself, others, nature and that which is greater than you.

Body

Sense and trust your body’s wisdom, and feel safer and more alive.

Creativity

Awaken your senses and imagination for healing, joy, and authentic expression.

Mind

Balance your thoughts and emotions through the loving, wise adult within.

Wisdom

Stop searching, listen for your own inner wisdom and find your own best answers.

Soul

Find and live from your essence. Express your soul's purpose and voice.

Wholeness

Embrace all aspects of being human — body, mind, spirit, and soul.

Spirit

Rekindle your inner spark and feel held and guided by the sacred flow of life.

“I want to say once again a thousand thanks for an incredible, amazing, insightful, unforgettable, and truly...wonderful process. I never imagined I would come this far, learn so much, and gain such deep insight into myself, my relationships, human nature, and life itself. I’m deeply grateful and will never forget all the hours we’ve spent together. From the bottom of my heart — thank you. I’m deeply moved and happy — and so thankful for everything I (we) have achieved through this… I will miss it.”

What can you get out of therapy with me?

More fulfilling relationships with partners, friends, and family, and deeper empathy
The courage to be yourself and trust your own worth
Greater self-esteem, confidence, and emotional balance
The ability to feel and express your emotions safely
Freedom from trauma, anxiety, depression, and old conflicts
Reconnection with the home of your body and its wisdom
A more balanced approach to life, including work, creativity, and self-care
Expanded creativity, clearer personal expression
Reduced stress, greater calm, and a stronger sense of connection
More clarity about your purpose, life path, and personal values

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Who do I work with?

I work with sensitive people who try hard, but still doubt themselves. They long to live their own lives without creating chaos or hurting anyone.

Do you never feel good enough, no matter how hard you try? You’ve worked on yourself for years, but still feel like you’re not home, not living your life. Maybe you can’t find or keep a relationship where you can be yourself. Or your job looks fine on paper, but drains you. You feel lost, confused, low, or just off, and you don’t know why.

How do I work?

What is Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy?

When we have experienced overwhelming neglect, abuse, loss, or shock, the pain often stores itself within the body and the nervous system as a wordless state. In my experience across more than 30 years of clinical work, talk therapy alone rarely reaches the core of the trauma. In fact, it can sometimes consolidate it by creating a cognitive narrative that repeatedly reinforces a sense of helplessness and powerlessness.

This approach is highly effective if you recognize or live with:

Anxiety and inner restlessness that won't release its grip on your body
Chronic stress or burnout, where your mind feels completely exhausted
Depression and despondency, where you have lost touch with your inner spark
PTSD, complex trauma (C-PTSD), or long-term effects of abuse and betrayal
Shock and grief following sudden losses or major life crises.

Trauma-informed expressive arts therapy serves as a gentle bridge between traditional psychological and psychotherapeutic expertise and your natural, innate creativity. Creativity is our first language. When we invite creativity into the therapy room, it is never about performing or creating something "beautiful"—it is about uncovering your own authentic expression in the moment, especially if it has been hidden away for a long time.

We use colors, shapes, dance, dramatization, or sound to give your inner landscape a voice. By moving the difficult material out onto the paper or into the room, we can explore it together from a place of safe distance, allowing it to be gently brought into awareness and gradually transformed.

How I work in sessions

I always guide you at a calm and predictable pace, based on my trauma-sensitive method, Creative Mindfulness. I integrate presence, inner regulation, and self-expression, ensuring that your nervous system feels safe at all times. You need no creative prerequisites to participate.

Arriving (Mindfulness): We begin by connecting with your body and establishing the safe space we will be working in. Through simple mindfulness tools, I help your nervous system find safety here and now.
Anchoring Resources: Before we even approach what hurts, we explore your inner resources. I guide you through the initial steps to ensure you feel supported. Often, you will connect with an inherent strength, which we then anchor in your body and on the paper, giving you a steady, safe foundation to stand on.
The Creative Expression: From this place of safety, you are invited – if you wish – to experiment with the materials, with me there as your support and witness. We allow the subconscious to speak through colors, clay, sound, or movement, completely free from analysis along the way.
Connection and Healing (Reflection): Afterwards, if you feel comfortable, we explore your expression together. We look at the artwork, the dance, or the figure as a third entity in the room – a supportive partner – and discover ways for you to integrate this new insight into your life. Through this safe, aesthetic distance, we pave the way for greater emotional balance and healing, without ever reawakening the overwhelm of the trauma.

Integration and the new narrative

In time, as your system becomes ready, we can begin to work more directly with the trauma. It can find its voice through artistic and creative channels while we gradually integrate the experience.

Through this process, the survival charge in your nervous system is reduced, while the wisdom, learning, and maturation gained from the trauma are retained. Ultimately, this allows you to create a whole new narrative about yourself, your history, and your possibilities.

I am driven by a deep wish to help you find your way to a life where you feel you truly belong and dare to be yourself — because the world genuinely needs your sensitivity, wisdom, and creativity.

My therapeutic foundation and methods

My therapeutic home is within the expressive arts, with a specific focus on dance, visual art, drama, and voice therapy—inviting creative expression, movement, play, and imagination into the healing process. At the very heart of my work is the imagination—our natural, inner creative intelligence.

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, somatically grounded, and relational. I seamlessly weave expressive arts therapy together with:

Neuroaffective regulation and modern neuroscience
Trauma treatment (EMDR, DBT, EFT tapping)
Clinical and therapeutic modalities (HeartMath, NLP, hypnotherapy, and parts work)
Nature therapy and nature-based feminine wisdom

I bring all these elements together in my own signature methods, Creative Mindfulness and The Art of Self-Healing, which bridge a neuroaffective understanding with a transpersonal view of human potential. This creates a deeply tailored framework designed to support healing and transformation across all levels of your being—body, mind, soul, and spirit.

My Approach to You

My way of working is both intuitive and analytical. I meet you with deep empathy and presence, helping you feel truly seen, safe, and understood. At the same time, I am clear and precise, guiding you swiftly to the root of what is holding you back so you can experience lasting, sustainable change.

I continue to evolve my practice through ongoing studies in holistic health and psychotraumatology, integrating ancient wisdom with modern psychology and brain science to support deep, grounded, and sustainable healing.

Practical information

Language: Sessions are conducted fluently in both English and Danish. I have extensive experience working with expats and "third-culture kids."
In-Person Sessions: Available by appointment in Copenhagen (Nørrebro) and North Zealand.
Online Sessions: I offer secure, international online consultations from the comfort of your own home.
See more practical information here.

Client testimonials

Anna, 36, therapist

“This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself...”

“...You have helped me have an amazing experience in therapy”

Catherine, 52, organizer

“Thanks so much for everything you are and have been to me. Thank you for all your support and help with developing myself through the years. Without you it would not have been possible!”

Susanne, 31, project manager

“I feel a new and unknown kind of power building in me and I am making room for joy and curiosity. I am grateful that life seems to be opening up for me.”

Maria, 48, occupational therapist

“Many many thanks, Karin. I was reflecting on how remarkable it was for me to feel safe to do that movement. There is some vulnerability needed and trust and I think you really create that safe space. Thank you. Modalities like using movement goes beyond words. I know you know this, I knew this and yet when I moved and got some rich learning from my psyche, I was reminded how powerful the arts language is.”

Karen, 78, translator

“I am really happy with the work we did together and very impressed by your competencies...”

"...You helped me so much and I am deeply grateful.”

"...Thank you for my time with you. It’s been so good and given me so much. Your way of helping, counseling, guiding and supporting me has been just right. You have really managed to meet me right where I was and I’ve come far in my development. I feel more at home in myself and have a better sense of what I want to do and what I long for...”

Helle, 53, DEI consultant

"I want to say, once again, a thousand thanks for an incredible, amazing, educational, unforgettable, and truly, truly, truly excellent therapy process. I never thought I would get this far, learn so much, and gain such insight into myself, my relationships, humanity in general, and life. From my heart, thank you. I am deeply moved and happy — and grateful for everything I (we) have achieved with this."

Sofija, 62, technician

“To come out of a life crisis with stress, cancer, anxiety and trauma, your competencies and professionalism are the best way to a normal life…Thank you for doing what you are doing, saving people who need a hand when nothing else works.”

Ann-Louise, 40, office manager

“I felt your professional depth already reading your website. I sensed I could trust you and we’d have the right connection. Which you’ve proved repeatedly was right. At first I was looking for help with my eating disorder. But I found out that PTSD really was the driver behind my eating disorder. I was afraid I’d never feel better and could see my own behavior deteriorating. I wanted to learn how to navigate in a world where I could set limits and find my place. With you I have overcome all my traumas successfully. I have better self-worth and have found my inner compass. You’ve helped me learn how to give myself care and trust and to navigate in a less dangerous world. Your methods have always worked for me. I have a totally new life I never knew existed.”

Laura, 22, medical student

“What’s great is that you give in such a way that I can do it myself now...”

“...You have seen me and given me insight into depths and perspectives that I have learned from – and that can inspire me to further studies. I will miss the safety of coming to a place where I can express whatever strange thoughts I might have and get feedback. I feel quite proud of having grown and feel very strongly that I will be able to handle what comes my way in the future. I have the courage to wrestle with the Self, trust my intuition and stand up for my convictions...”

Kelly, 58, singer

“I value your insights greatly. I consider you the wisest person I have ever known…Thank you for caring so deeply.”

Katrine, 25, designer

”I am truly grateful for our work, Karin. There is no doubt that you have helped me move forward in my life. That you have helped me release myself from overwhelming experiences and the unhealthy bonds my family and I were stuck in. For that I am eternally grateful to you.”

Mette, 64, assistant

“The most important thing I got from the creative exercises was that I like myself now. I’ve been focusing on living up to expectations – not on living. That’s something totally different.”

Grace, 58, artist

“I experience Karin as a deeply compassionate person who is highly skilled and very intuitive. She is a therapist beyond compare. I have seen her during more than one extremely challenging time in my life. She always seems to offer just the right direction of inquiry to help me explore a deeper part of my psyche. She offers grounded tools for behavior change and for restructuring one’s belief system as well as insightful reflection. Talking to her feels like sitting in an open meadow protected on all sides by a fence woven of soft ivy. My experience of Karin is both expansive and contained.”

Lene, 56, psychologist

It has made my hair stand on end in previous therapies, when I have felt pressured into something in a situation that should actually be a safe space. When that happens I shut down and close up. I either just agree with the therapist or become contrary – and ultimately end up terminating therapy. The fact that you are so validating and supportive makes me trust you completely. I know you want what is best for me and can help me. I don’t need to be so angry anymore – that’s a huge relief. I experience myself differently now, calmer. I don’t snap as much at my kids and I don’t have to suppress my feelings as much. My feelings are more manageable and I don’t have to spend so much energy on controlling myself. And because it is no longer so dangerous I dare to be more honest and direct. I just want to say that I am grateful for having met you and for your being a driver of the positive change I and my family have experienced.”

Ulla, 50, executive assistant

“You are the best psychologist I have ever worked with, and I have been seeing psychologists since I was in my mid-twenties. I have never met anyone who could so quickly and exactly get my situation and know precisely what to do.”

Nanna, 47, designer

“What a lovely conversational partner you are. You spread light and clarity over the issues and one feels safe and happy with you...”

Rie, 41, physical therapist

“I was questioning therapy: can’t I do this myself, can’t I just be healthy already? And then your soft words of wisdom really landed in the right place in my body and since, have sent out some ripples of trust for the process. 41 years of conditioning doesn’t change a few hours. So I am committing to the journey ahead with a soft gentleness. I wish to express my deep gratitude for sharing your special gift, to know when to nudge and know when to stop, and listen, deeply. Thank you.”

Josephine, 44, psychotherapist

“You can see me. You can “hold” me. That’s what made therapy so deep for me...”

Vibeke, 38, journalist

“I’d just like to say a huge thank you for helping me on my path of development. It works and it is just so good to feel my progress.:) Our work together has had a major effect and more than ever I feel connected to myself and on the right path. Many thanks for your professional guidance with this. You make a huge difference for me.”

Elise, 47, designer

"...Your great commitment and caring way of being have led me to where I am today. Your way of using your intuition and your knowledge has made me feel seen and understood. I can gradually see myself on my way through the most difficult years of my life...”

Signe, 61, assistant

“...Yet again, you’ve been an amazing “birth helper.”

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Frequently asked questions

Who do you work with?

I help sensitive people come home to themselves by connecting to their natural creativity.

You may be struggling with yourself — never feeling good enough, even though you work and try hard. Perhaps you can’t quite put your finger on what’s wrong. You might have trouble finding — or keeping — a partner you can truly be yourself with. Or you have a job you’re good at, but dread going to in the morning.

You’ve always felt you had to be everything — except yourself. You’re tired of trying to live up to other people’s expectations, and it’s wearing you out. It affects your sleep, your energy, and your health. You feel tense, sad, and stressed and like you're not home. It’s as if you can’t find your place in life or make the basics work.

I work with sensitive, creative souls who put in great effort and care deeply, yet constantly doubt themselves. They’re often stressed and self-critical, and they don’t understand why. Deep down, they long to be themselves — without their whole life falling apart.

Maybe you’ve experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, or long-term stress. You may have tried therapy, mindfulness, or self-help, and it helped — but not enough. You still want to feel more whole, alive, and free — without having to change everything about yourself.

That can happen when you discover that you are sensitive but not sick — that you may be traumatized but not broken, and that you belong here. You are whole, resilient, and needed on this planet now.

For the past 30 years, I’ve helped hundreds of people move through insecurity, stress, shame, anxiety, trauma, depression, suppressed and chaotic emotions, conflicts, and low self-worth — toward a deeper sense of peace, creativity, and self-trust.

My calling is to help sensitive and traumatized people who have lost their spark and their connection to the voice of the body and the calling of the soul — to come home to themselves, rediscover their strength, and express themselves creatively in a world that deeply needs their sensitivity and wisdom.