Open Dialogue Meeting 2026

Introducing another keynote speaker. Beginning in the early 1980s in Western Lapland, Finland, Seikkula and colleagues developed Open Dialogue in response to high levels of severe mental health difficulties in the region. The approach emphasized immediate support, inclusion of family and social networks, and minimal use of antipsychotic medication. The results became internationally recognised, with many individuals returning to work and living fulfilling lives free from ongoing psychotic experiences.

An occupational therapist by profession, Auður co-founded Hugarafl in 2003 together with four people with lived experience, driven by a simple but powerful vision: that people experiencing mental health challenges should not only receive services—they should help shape them. Auður is Iceland’s only certified Open Dialogue trainer, an eCPR trainer, and was honoured by the President of Iceland in 2017 for her outstanding contribution to mental health.

And yet another keynote speaker for our Open Day. Kari Valtanen,
A child and adolescent psychiatrist, family therapy and open dialogue/dialogical practice trainer, who has worked in Lapland for over 20 years, now training Open Dialogue internationally.

Grétar will talk about the philosophy of recovery and its importance. He will provide an overview of his research on recovery and biological models, while also sharing his own personal experience of achieving full recovery from severe mental health challenges. This and more on our Open Day!

Yet another fabulous keynote speaker. Mia Kurtti from Lapland. Extensive knowledge and experience in Open Dialogue!

From Aarhus, sharing her experience in facilitating Open Dialogue, the amazing Mie Leer. We are excited to hear what she has to say in August! See you then!

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? Extremely important talk by the amazing Dr. Maria Ingström, author of the insightful book Restrained. We are lucky to have her as one of our keynote speakers. You do not want to miss this! See you in August!

More amazing keynote speakers on our open day Ann- Rita and Heidi. Their presentation, “Relation- and Network Conversations in Acute Crises – The Shift of Focus from the Individual Alone to the Individual as Part of a Social System”, explores the transformative work developed within Specialist Health Services in Tromsø, Norway.