A steady place to begin
English-speaking psychologist in Bergen
Evidence-based, paced to you.
English-speaking psychologist in Bergen
Sessions in English — online across Norway, or in person at my office in Bergen.
My name is Irina Oltu, and I am a licensed psychologist with experience in both public and private practice. I work with a wide range of concerns — from complex PTSD, trauma, stress, and burnout, to milder psychological difficulties and common responses to life’s challenges. In therapy, I place strong emphasis on safety, respect, and collaboration, working together to explore what matters to you.
We start where you are
As a psychologist, I am committed to creating a safe space where clients can discover their own strengths, reconnect with themselves, and experience greater agency and a sense of freedom in their lives. I hold deep respect for each client’s life and the ways they manage it, and I often take a “not-knowing” stance in therapy.
We start where you are, and work with the whole person — not the diagnosis.
I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, based on the client’s needs, symptoms, and preferences.
How we work together
Adapted to you and your situation
GETTING TO KNOW YOURSELF
Long-term stress, trauma, and strain can affect the body, thoughts, and emotions. Together, we explore what lies beneath your difficulties, in a safe and structured therapeutic space.
CLIENT-CENTERED
The therapy is adapted to you, your needs, and your life situation. I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, based on your goals, symptoms, and preferences.
MORE FREEDOM IN LIFE
The aim is not only symptom relief, but increased freedom, agency, and connection — in work, relationships, and everyday life.
My areas of practice
I work with a broad range of psychological difficulties and life stressors, including:
- Sleep difficulties
- Depression
- Different forms of anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Stress and burnout
- Difficulties with emotion regulation
- Trauma
- Chronic pain
Alongside psychotherapy, I also consider broader factors that influence mental health, and work with clients to identify sustainable changes in lifestyle and stress regulation. I have a particular interest in the interaction between physiology and mental health, and in working with the body’s own regulatory systems to support balance, functioning, and psychological well-being.
Treatment approaches
Evidence-based methods adapted to individual needs
Emotion-focused approach
Helps you understand and regulate emotions, strengthen safety in relationships, and support lasting change.
Focusing
A body-oriented way of working that deepens contact with inner experience and the body’s signals.
Optimisation and performance
Focused work on psychological performance and regulation through lifestyle optimisation and psychophysiological approaches.
HRV biofeedback
Works with the body’s physiological regulation systems to support stress regulation and emotional balance.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
An evidence-based approach for persistent or chronic pain with no structural cause. I have trained in PRT directly with the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center in the US, the organisation behind the method.
EMDR trauma therapy
Used to process distressing memories and traumatic experiences, supporting symptom relief and integration.
Safety and confidentiality
Sessions online or at the office in Bergen
Evidence-based practice
Safety and confidentiality
As a licensed psychologist, I am bound by Norwegian health legislation — including a duty of confidentiality and a requirement that treatment be professionally sound. I am registered in the Norwegian Health Personnel Register and a member of the Norwegian Psychological Association.
I am a strong advocate for privacy and data protection, particularly when it comes to client confidentiality. I do not use artificial intelligence (AI) for session transcription, a practice that is becoming increasingly common in the mental health field.
For video sessions, I use a secure video platform designed for healthcare professionals (whereby.com), with end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance.
Common questions
Do I need to know what I want to talk about?
No. Many people come without a clear starting point.
It’s fine to begin with what feels unclear or difficult — we can explore it together.
What happens in the first session?
We spend time getting to know each other and understanding what you’re looking for help with.
You set the pace, and there’s no expectation to share more than you feel ready to.
What if I’m not sure I want to continue?
That’s completely okay.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and you’re free to take breaks or stop at any point.
Fees
Most clients choose a 60-minute session.
Sessions are held over video, on an end-to-end encrypted platform built for healthcare professionals.
I also have a limited number of appointments at my office in Bergen, on Thursdays.
Individual therapy
1650 kr
40 minutes
Individual therapy
Full therapy session
2500 kr
60 minutes
Extended session
from 3500 kr
90+ minutes, arranged based on clinical need
I do not use AI for transcription or record-keeping.
Before you book
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the appointment, by email or text message. Appointments cancelled later, or not attended, are charged in full — including in cases of illness.
Moving an office appointment online is not a cancellation. If you’re unwell, or can’t get to Bergen that day, let me know before the session starts and we’ll meet over video instead.
The booking system and its confirmation emails are in Norwegian. The steps are straightforward: choose a service, choose a time, enter your name and email. If you would rather ask something first, or prefer that I set the appointment up for you, email me at irina@oltu.no.
Additional documentation (60 minutes): 2500 kr
Evening surcharge (after 16:00): from 150 kr
Contact me
Leave your contact details, and I’ll be in touch shortly.