About me

PSYCHOLOGIST

I graduated from Gothenburg university in 2005. Since then, my work as a psychologist has focused on two areas – neuropsychiatric assessments and issues related to cults, radicalization, and violent extremism.
The field of radicalization has increasingly taken up more of my time, and I am engaged both nationally and internationally on matters concerning violent extremism.

AUTHOR

My latest book, Radicalization, was published in 2021. It is the result of all the experiences and research I have accumulated for more than 30 years.
The first book in Swedish to address treatment and support for individuals leaving cults was published in 2009 – the anthology Sektsjuka, where I assumed the role as editor as well as writing two of the chapters.
In 2013, the book Influence and Manipulation was released. It was a collaboration with researcher Peter Dahlgren. In the book, we explore the psychological systems we use to make decisions: one fast and automatic, based on gut feeling, and the other slow and reflective, where we use more deliberate reasoning – and how these systems can be exploited to influence and manipulate us.

MUSICIAN

Had I not taken a detour in my twenties through a religious cult, I would likely have devoted myself to music full time. Recently, I’ve started playing guitar again and now create my own music under the name Spiders on Drugs and play in the indie pop band Rickard & Juvelerna.