Tommy Hellsten

Tommy Hellsten is a therapist and speaker with nearly forty years of experience and an author whose books have sold more than 500,000 copies in Europe. In his native Finland, he is often referred to as the country's national therapist.

A pioneer in the treatment of emotional problems related to codependency and substance abuse, Hellsten instigated the national network of self-help groups for adult children of alcoholics in Finland. His first book, HIPPO IN THE LIVING ROOM, introduced the concept of codependency to Finland in 1991. Sales of HIPPO IN THE LIVING ROOM broke the previous record for a self-help book; it has been in print ever since, and the thirty-first edition was published in 2012.

Hellsten's work as a counselor, writer, speaker, consultant and mentor is based on a synthesis of psychoanalytical thought, Christianity and the 12-step program. Above all, however, he draws on his life experience. He regards his training at Hazelden in Minnesota and the Caron Foundation in Pennsylvania as one of the most significant influences in his professional life.

Hellsten holds a master's degree in theology from the University of Helsinki. He is married and has three adult children from a previous marriage. He maintains an active therapeutic practice and established a nationwide four-year mentor training program in 2007.