Pamoja Therapy - Nairobi

Supporting children, young people & families to thrive

Helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with warmth, understanding and evidence-based therapeutic support.

Based in Nairobi, I work with local and international families, NGO professionals and United Nations staff. Offering therapy that is tailored to each child's unique needs and family circumstances.

Book an introductory consultation

About me

Hi, I'm Lys van der Zeeuw

I am a therapist with over eight years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in both the Netherlands and Kenya.

I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood, and genuinely heard. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, friendships, family relationships, school challenges or adjusting to major life changes; I provide a compassionate space where they can explore their experiences, build resilience and develop the confidence to move forward.

Living abroad brings wonderful opportunities, but it can also present unique emotional challenges. Having worked extensively with international families in Nairobi, I understand the complexities of relocation, cultural adjustment, identity development and life between different countries and communities.

How I can help

Therapy tailored to your child and family

Every child and family is different, which is why therapy is always tailored to your individual needs. I support children, adolescents, and families with:

Anxiety and worries

Emotional regulation

Behavioural challenges

Self-esteem and confidence

Family relationships

School-related concerns

Relocation and adjustment

Grief and loss

Trauma

Social & friendship difficulties

Together, we work towards meaningful and lasting change by building emotional understanding, practical coping skills and stronger relationships.

Ways of working

Therapy designed around your family

Explore ways of working

Support should fit your family's life, not the other way around. Together, we'll decide which approach best supports your child and family. Depending on your needs, sessions can take place in various locations

In person

In a calm and welcoming therapy space on Lower Kabete Road.

Online

Providing flexible support for busy families, travelling parents and international relocations.

Home-based

Supporting children within the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

School-based

Working collaboratively with schools, parents and children where appropriate.

My approach

Understanding the whole child

No two children experience the world in exactly the same way.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Play Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), integrating these approaches to meet the individual needs of every child and family.

Rather than focusing only on behaviours or symptoms, I aim to understand the whole child. Their relationships, experiences, strengths, and environment, to create lasting and meaningful change.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Systemic Therapy

Play Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Working together

Beginning therapy, one gentle step at a time

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

The process is collaborative and typically begins with a conversation with parents. Followed by an initial session to get to know your child and determine whether we're the right fit. Together, we establish goals and regularly review progress, adapting support as your family's needs evolve.

My aim is always to work alongside parents, recognising that meaningful change happens when children feel supported both inside and outside the therapy room.

Ready to take the first step?

Whether you're looking for support for your child, your teenager, or your family, I'd be happy to discuss your concerns and explore how I may be able to help.