ABOUT

Iben Sandahl is a Danish psychotherapist MPF, former teacher, internationally published author and family professional. She is best known for her work on Danish parenting principles and for bringing a relational, psychologically informed perspective on childhood and family life to parents and professionals around the world. Her books have been published in 32 languages.

At the centre of Iben’s work is a belief that the way we meet children matters deeply. Children need both freedom and guidance, empathy and boundaries, trust and responsibility. Rather than focusing only on behaviour, she encourages adults to look beneath it and become curious about what a child may be trying to communicate, while remaining clear and grounded in their own role as adults.

Much of her work also focuses on the patterns we bring with us into parenting. Our reactions are shaped by our own experiences, beliefs and stories, often without us being fully aware of them. Iben helps parents and professionals recognise these patterns, question what no longer serves them and create more conscious, constructive ways of relating to children.

Her perspective is strongly influenced by Danish values such as trust, equality, play, autonomy, authenticity and togetherness. She does not present the Danish approach as a formula or an ideal, but as a perspective that can invite reflection on what children need in order to develop a strong sense of self, empathy for others and confidence in their place in the world.

Through her books, talks, courses, app and work with families, Iben’s wider aim is to contribute to a more conscious, compassionate and connected way of raising the next generation - one in which we become more aware of what we pass on and create room for children to grow into who they are.

Iben lives north of Copenhagen with her husband, Morten. They have two adult daughters, Ida and Julie, who both live and study in Copenhagen.

Photo: Signe Bay

Contact

Iben Dissing Sandahl

Lyngby Hovedgade 96, st.
2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

info@ibensandahl.com

  • "Thank you Iben for valuable knowledge that you have given to me in the past 3 days. I must say that you posses a lot of knowledge, you have a pure heart and are a great host. Can't wait for your next book."

    - Msc. Maja Puctzi

  • "Besides being an incredible and highest quality author, Iben Sandahl is also a fantastic speaker. She is extremely collaborative, easily adjusting to the circumstances and instantly connecting to the audience. A delightful and inspiring person to work with in every step of the book process."

    - Camila Leme, Companhia das Letras, Brazilian publisher of The Danish way of parenting

  • "I couldn't find a better person for telling me about the Danish school system. It can be seen that Iben is setting high standards in her work and that she is loyal to her values. That makes her professional, transparent and authentic. "

    - Sanela Talic, Institut za raziskave in razvoj "Utrip"

  • "I am very happy that I met such a warm person. I think that Iben was a great teacher who gave me a lot of knowledge. The most important thing that I bring with me is that we should always meet children with respect and remember being human. When I listened to Iben, I said: 'Yes, this woman is great. "

    - Alenka, Principal from Slovenia

  • "I left the workshop with a much more active listening. I wish I could put into words the channel that opened in my mind after Iben's very giving and amazing speech, but there's no words to express my gratitude. She brings everything with thoroughness and mastery learning. Thank you for this opportunity!"

    - Orjana Oliveira

  • "Clear messages, a lot of energy, a lot of life experience, a lot of love and a lot of sparks in everything Iben has to say. And what are we without it? What are we without the sparks? Thank you, Iben"

    - Natalija

  • "Iben Sandahl's work is truly a gift to all parents and families and those who work with them. Her writing is a perfect blend of research, experience, and applicability making it easily accessible for any reader. Her passion and dedication to her work comes through in all she does and it is a pleasure to know and learn from her."

    - Amanda Hardy Hillman, PhD, LPC

  • "It was such a blessing to meet Iben Sandahl, and she impacted my life in the greatest of ways. She is so inspiring, strong and wonderful. Her outlook on life is beautiful and I am touched by the work she does in other people's lives."

    – Anya Snider, Canada

SELECTED REFERENCES