Talk With an Expert By Experience in Helsinki
Are you thinking about quitting gambling or coping with life alongside someone who gambles? Would you like to better understand your situation and explore new ways forward? Book a free consultation with a Pelirajaton expert by experience and take a step towards positive change.
The service is available to Helsinki residents who are concerned about their own gambling or affected by someone else’s gambling. The service is provided in cooperation with the City of Helsinki. Conversations are completely confidential and are not recorded in healthcare records or any other information systems.
Consultations are designed to help you make sense of your situation, gain new perspectives and identify possible next steps. You can meet with an expert by experience in person, by phone or via Teams for one to five sessions, each lasting up to 90 minutes. If you wish, you may also invite a family member or other person close to you to join the conversation.
How to Book a Consultation
- Check out Juho’s and Kadi’s profiles
- Fill out the online form (in Finnish) or send a text message directly to an expert by experience (you’ll find their phone number in their profile)
- The expert by experience you selected will contact you
- Together, you will agree on a suitable time
The online form also serves as a short initial assessment and helps focus your conversations on the topics most relevant to you.
Please book a consultation only for yourself, not on behalf of someone else.
Meet Juho and Kadi
Experts by experience have personal experience of problem gambling or living alongside someone who gambles, as well as experience of change, recovery and empowerment. They have further developed their knowledge through volunteer peer mentoring within Pelirajaton and through formal training as experts by experience.
Juho’s Profile (FI /ENG)
My name is Juho; I’m a former gambler, an active volunteer peer mentor, and a trained expert by experience. I’m laid-back and approachable, honest, and open. I enjoy talking with both gamblers and their loved ones.
My own gambling began when I was in elementary school, and it started to become problematic as I approached adulthood. I began my journey toward change through a peer’s story, when I realized that I wasn’t alone in this and that it wasn’t just a financial problem but a gambling problem.
Recovery has taught me that gambling may have served as a coping mechanism, an escape, and a tool for regulating my emotions. Openness and honesty—toward others and, especially, toward myself—have been crucial to my recovery.
I want to convey the hope that help is available and that it is possible to break free from gambling.
You can talk to me remotely by phone or via Teams.
You can also contact me directly. Send a message (e.g., “I’d like to book a consultation”) to +358 44 720 2523, and I’ll get back to you by the next day at the latest.

Kadi’s Profile ( FI / ENG / EST)
I’m Kadi, a trained expert by experience and peer mentor with personal experience of gambling harms.
My expertise is based on my own experiences of gambling, facing its consequences and creating positive change in my life. As a parent and family-oriented person, I understand what it feels like to miss important moments, to be physically present but emotionally distant.
Having moved from Estonia to Finland at a young age, I understand both cultures and can also provide support in Estonian when needed.
I’m happy to talk about the thoughts and emotions connected to gambling, ways of coping with difficult situations, and the challenges and opportunities that come with change. Together, we can also explore the underlying reasons behind gambling and identify strengths and resources that support wellbeing and positive change.
You can speak openly and confidentially with me. My hope is that our conversation helps you find new perspectives, renewed confidence and a sense that change is possible.
Book a consultation with me:
In person on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- In person at the Kalasatama Health and Wellness Center (Työpajankatu 14 A). Available on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Remotely by phone or via Teams
You can also contact me directly. Send a message (e.g., “I’d like to book a consultation”) to +358 44 420 2906, and I’ll get back to you by the next day at the latest.
Eesti keel
Pakun nõustamisajaid ka eesti keeles. Võid minuga ühendust võtta, saates sõnumi „Soovin broneerida nõustamisaja” numbrile +358 44 420 2906
Lisateave eesti keeles

Common Topics
Conversations often focus on:
- the impact of gambling on your daily life or relationships
- thoughts and emotions that maintain gambling behaviour
- questions, choices and challenges related to change
- strengthening wellbeing and resilience
- relationships and communication
- available support and treatment services
Conversations typically last 45–90 minutes.
Unless you request otherwise, only you and the expert by experience will participate in the meeting.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or need help right away, call the MIELI ry Crisis Hotline at 09 2525 0111 (available 24 hours a day, every day) or the general emergency number 112.
Peer support and more info in English

This service is funded by a grant from the City of Helsinki and is intended for residents of the area.