Marve Ahlner, son to the founder of a Stockholm therapy clinic, found himself entangled in a world of manipulation and distorted realities. The clinic, established by his father, a recovered sex addict, promoted an alternative form of group therapy known as ”addictology,” which attributed all forms of addiction to childhood trauma. Lacking any formal psychological training, Marve, a young man struggling with depression and self-medicating with cannabis, initially became a client at the clinic, finding a sense of belonging and purpose he had long craved. He quickly progressed through the clinic’s three-step program, ultimately becoming a therapist himself, mirroring his father’s role as a savior to lost souls.
The clinic’s environment fostered blurred boundaries between therapists and clients, with shared celebrations and personal events intertwining their lives. Marve’s world increasingly revolved around the clinic, leading to isolation from his external life and a deepening dependence on its teachings. He rationalized his deteriorating well-being as a sign of needing more involvement, further entrenching himself within the clinic’s insular community. For three years, Marve practiced as a therapist, confident in his abilities and convinced of the clinic’s unique approach. His devotion to the clinic’s philosophy and his father’s approval fueled his dedication, blinding him to the manipulative dynamics at play.
The facade crumbled in December 2017 when a client accused Marve’s father of sexual harassment. Marve promptly resigned, his world shattered as he grappled with the implications of the accusation and the realization of the clinic’s toxic nature. A gradual awakening ensued, leading to a public exposé of the clinic, a profound personal crisis, and an irreparable rift between father and son. The clinic, labeled a ”therapy sect,” eventually closed its doors, but Marve’s journey to reconcile his past and rebuild his life had just begun.
The clinic’s ability to operate unchecked highlights a critical gap in Sweden’s regulatory framework. The unprotected title of ”therapist” allows unqualified individuals to practice, leaving vulnerable clients without adequate safeguards. Kristina Taylor, president of the Swedish Psychological Association, emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations, citing the potential for severe harm, including suicide, when unqualified individuals provide mental health treatment. The absence of oversight for alternative clinics leaves patients at risk and underscores the importance of legitimate, qualified practitioners.
Kjell Asplund, a government investigator, had identified the need for updated legislation to regulate alternative medicine and healthcare as early as 2019. His comprehensive report proposed, among other things, extending oversight authority to alternative therapies, particularly those addressing mental health. However, political shifts have stalled progress, leaving the regulatory landscape largely unchanged. Asplund laments the lack of action, noting the outdated nature of existing laws, some of which trace back to early 20th-century quackery regulations.
Helena Löfgren, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in undue influence and sects, confirms the clinic’s characteristics aligned with those of a sect. She highlights the systematic manipulation employed to suppress critical thinking, the inability to challenge the leader due to the internalization of blame, and the isolation from the outside world, preventing individuals from seeking help or expressing their discomfort. Marve himself experienced this isolation, severing ties with family and friends, convinced of their inability to comprehend his ”enlightened” perspective. The process of deprogramming and rebuilding his life has been arduous, marked by shame and a struggle for self-forgiveness. Despite his experience, Marve remains open to alternative therapies for anxiety relief, though now with a discerning eye, demonstrating a complex relationship with unconventional healing practices.
