Licensed Psychologist, Ph.D. - Copenhagen

Focused therapy for anxiety

About me

I hold a master's degree in psychology (cand.psych.) from the University of Southern Denmark and a Ph.D. in psychiatry from the University of Copenhagen. I am a licensed psychologist, authorised by the Danish Supervisory Board for Psychological Practice. My doctoral research developed and tested virtual reality exposure for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia.

I work as a psychotherapy researcher - investigating how psychotherapy can be improved and what makes it effective. I am affiliated with the Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark and the Department of Psychology at the University of Copenhagen.

If you're interested in my research, you can read more on Google Scholar.

Conditions I treat

Social anxiety

Fear of being negatively evaluated by others - for example, speaking or presenting in front of others, making small talk, eating in the company of others, or talking on the phone.

Specific phobias

Intense fear of specific things or situations. Examples include:

Spiders
Dogs
Heights
Needles/blood

Panic disorder

Sudden episodes of intense anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Agoraphobia

Fear of losing control - typically in situations where it is difficult to leave or get help, for example public transport, large open spaces, or being far from home. The fear can also concern losing control over the body - urination, defecation, nausea/vomiting, or fainting.

Generalised anxiety

Persistent worry about everyday matters - often related to finances or the health of loved ones. But can also revolve around themes like international politics and the climate.

Health anxiety

Strong fear of having or developing a serious illness, often accompanied by repeated body-checking or seeking reassurance.

Death anxiety

Persistent or intense fear of dying, often present in connection with physical sensations or thoughts about illness.

How we work

Psychotherapy can be many things. Research suggests it works best when targeted at a specific problem. That is the starting point for my practice: we work in a focused and relatively intensive manner, one or more hours per week, on one theme or goal at a time.

The therapy is based on cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing, evidence-based methods with solid research behind them.

Much can be learned by talking about things. But the most profound learning often happens through direct experience. This is called exposure, and it's something I often recommend in treatment. In practice, this means we gradually approach what you fear or avoid together, while observing what actually happens - so that you (and your body) can experience that the avoided phenomenon is less dangerous than it feels.

Sessions can last 60, 90, or 120 minutes depending on what makes sense for what we are working on.

No waiting list

I currently have openings for new clients, and there is no waiting list. An inquiry can typically lead to an initial session within a short time.

Practical information

Location: Studiestræde 17A, 2nd floor, 1455 Copenhagen K
Hours: Sessions take place on Sundays. Individual Thursdays are possible by arrangement.
Fee: 1,000 DKK per hour.
Languages: Sessions in Danish or English.
Referrals and insurance: I do not have a public health insurance contract (ydernummer), and a referral from your GP therefore does not provide a reduced rate. Possible reimbursement through private health insurance or Sygeforsikring "Danmark" will be clarified at first contact.

Write to me

You are welcome to write to me at kontakt@psykologarnfred.dk or use the form.

I usually reply within a few days.

Please do not include sensitive personal or health information in your first message. We will agree on a secure means of communication at the first session.

Privacy Policy

Data controller

Psykolog Benjamin Arnfred, Studiestræde 17A, 2nd floor, 1455 Copenhagen K. CVR 39829169. kontakt@psykologarnfred.dk

Information collected

When you submit an inquiry via the contact form or directly to my email, I process the information you yourself provide (typically your name, email, and the content of your message) for the purpose of responding to your inquiry.

Cookies and analytics

This website does not use cookies or any other form of tracking. No visitor statistics are collected.

Storage

Emails are stored only for as long as necessary to maintain contact with you. If a course of treatment is not established, your inquiry is deleted no later than 6 months after the last correspondence. If you become a client, your health information and journal will be processed in accordance with the Danish Psychologist Act, the Health Act, and data protection legislation. You will receive separate information about journal-keeping at the first session.

Your rights

You have the right to access, correction, deletion of, and objection to the processing of your personal data. Inquiries should be directed to kontakt@psykologarnfred.dk. You also have the right to complain to the Danish Data Protection Agency (datatilsynet.dk).

Website operations

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Last updated: May 2026