LCSW, DCT, Doctoral Candidate Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Pennsylvania

Zipporah “Zippy” Onyimbo-Ngarama

“The strongest relationships are built on a foundation of trust, communication, and mutual respect.” — John Gottman

MEET ZIPPY:

     Tenacious, analytical, compassionate, and thoughtfully adaptable, Zippy Ngarama brings a wealth of experience and heart to every therapeutic relationship. Born and raised in Kenya, Zippy’s journey has taken her across continents and communities, always guided by a deep-rooted commitment to service and holistic healing. Now based in Pennsylvania, she partners with clients to navigate life’s challenges with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering belief in their capacity for growth.

Zippy’s approach is family-centered and solution-focused, blending evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing with her intuitive understanding of human resilience. Whether providing crisis support, trauma-informed care, or guiding families through complex dynamics, Zippy ensures every session feels safe, collaborative, and empowering. She firmly believes that healing happens not only within individuals but also within the relationships and communities that sustain them.

  • Her impressive clinical background spans over two decades, including roles as a Behavioral Health Consultant at Union Community Care, a Maternal Child Health Social Worker with Penn Medicine, and a bilingual counselor supporting survivors of sexual assault. Beyond the office, she has volunteered tirelessly in mission-driven initiatives across Kenya, Ethiopia, and the U.S., embodying her belief that compassion knows no borders.

    Zippy holds advanced degrees in social work from Temple University and Millersville University, alongside specialized training in EMDR for BIPOC populations, shame-informed treatment, sleep and mental health interventions, and somatic approaches to disordered eating recovery. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, she is deeply invested in helping families build healthier, more connected futures.

    Clients appreciate Zippy’s thoughtful, grounded presence and her knack for helping them uncover inner strengths they might not yet see in themselves. She has a particular passion for working with children, youth, survivors of intimate partner violence, and families navigating intergenerational dynamics — finding inspiration even in pop culture moments like Disney’s Encanto, which she loves for its authentic portrayal of family systems, pressure, and healing.

    When she’s not in session, you’ll find Zippy embracing life’s simple joys: traveling to new places, cooking for loved ones, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Fluent in both English and Swahili, she bridges cultures with ease and warmth, always striving to make the world a little more compassionate, one conversation at a time.

Let’s Talk:

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