Kati Palsynaho van den Toorn

Psychologist, Certified IFS Practitioner

Hello,

 I’m Kati, a psychologist offering therapy to adults, children, parents and families in Amstelveen and online. Sessions are available in English, Dutch and Finnish.

Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, low self-worth or patterns that keep repeating, even though you understand them rationally? Perhaps you are going through a difficult transition, feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure of what you need. Or maybe there is no clearly defined problem—only a sense that something does not feel quite right or that life could feel different.

My approach

My way of working is warm, compassionate and collaborative. I aim to offer a space where you can slow down, feel heard and explore your experiences without judgement. We work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I draw primarily on Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, solution-focused therapy and body-oriented approaches. I adapt our work to your individual needs rather than following one fixed method.

IFS is based on the understanding that we all have different “parts” within us. One part may be anxious, critical or always trying to stay in control, while another may feel vulnerable, lonely or not good enough. These parts are not seen as problems to eliminate, but as understandable responses that often developed to protect us. By approaching them with curiosity and compassion, it becomes possible to understand what they need and create lasting change from within.

EMDR can help when distressing experiences from the past continue to affect how you feel, think or respond in the present. Depending on your needs, I may also include grounding, mindfulness, imagery and gentle body awareness.

Support for adults

I offer support with concerns including:

• Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed
• Low self-esteem or a strong inner critic
• Difficult childhood experiences or trauma
• Relationship and attachment patterns
• Grief, loss and major life transitions
• Feeling stuck, disconnected or uncertain about your direction
• Challenges connected with living abroad or between cultures
• Personal growth and developing a more authentic relationship with yourself

Support for children, parents and families

Alongside my psychology training, I have more than 25 years of experience working with children and families in international education. I support children between approximately 2 and 16 years old, as well as parents who have concerns about their child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, development or learning.

Children do not always have the words to explain what is happening inside them. Their needs may instead be expressed through anxiety, anger, withdrawal, physical complaints, difficulties at school or changes in behaviour. I use developmentally appropriate and creative approaches to help children feel safe, understood and able to express themselves.

I also work with parents, either alongside their child’s sessions or separately. Sometimes a small shift in how a child’s behaviour is understood and responded to can make an important difference for the whole family.

An international perspective

I am Finnish and have lived in the Netherlands for more than 20 years. Both personally and professionally, I understand some of the complexities of living between cultures, building a life away from your country of origin and raising children in an international environment.

Getting started

Finding the right therapist matters. I therefore offer a free introductory conversation in which we can talk briefly about what brings you to therapy, what kind of support you are looking for and whether my approach feels right for you. You are also welcome to ask any questions you may have.

If you feel that something in your life needs attention, you are welcome to reach out. Sometimes taking that first step can create a little more space, choice and ease in your life.