Experts by Experience
Welcome to Niemikoti Foundation’s Expert by Experience Section
At the heart of our work is the person in recovery, with their hopes and goals. They are the ones who know best what everyday life and the full spectrum of mental health recovery are really like. In this section, in addition to the From Shadows to Light blog, you will find information about lived experience expertise, announcements of training opportunities, and news updates.
An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of illness, disability, disorder, or addiction, and who has completed training to prepare for expert-by-experience roles. Read the full definition »
What kind of roles do experts by experience have at Niemikoti Foundation »
News & Updates
Traveling in Italy, Part 1/X
Our experience coordinator, Sirpa Sinisalo, travelled to Italy in the autumn of 2025, where she interviewed experts in the field of psychiatry. In this two-part series, we get to read the interviews…
When the Mind Grew Weary, the Forest Carried Me
Text, tips and photos:Kari Summaneninstagram.com/gerehikes Nature doesn’t heal everything, but it can give you room to breathe and help you cope with everyday life. Morning in Repovesi “A light morning mist…
Niilo’s story continues online
The Niemikoti Foundation’s Niilo app has been an important community and everyday motivator for many — a place to set goals, chat with others, and find companionship and meaning throughout the…
Lived Experience Expertise Sparks Interest
Once again, we received a large number of applications for the lived experience expert training starting next year. We will organize a selection event in the form of a group interview,…
Autumn – Facing Something New
Are you one of those people who approach new things and new people with trust and excitement, almost exclaiming: “Great, a new opportunity!” Or does your mind fill with worries and nervous anticipation?…
At the Right Age?
In this profession as an expert by experience, advanced age and life experience are an asset, even though in our society age discrimination tends to begin already around the age of…
