About Us
Meet The Team
Sarah van Staden – Principal Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Sarah is a registered Psychotherapist and Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) as well as a member of the College of Counselling. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy as well as further training in Youth and Adolescent Therapy, Trauma, Couples and Sex Therapy, Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Sarah works with individuals and couples using an integrative, evidence-based approach, drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic frameworks. Her work is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on helping clients understand patterns, regulate emotions, and build more secure and fulfilling relationships.
With a background in the community sector, Sarah brings extensive experience supporting clients navigating complex life circumstances. She has a particular interest in trauma, including domestic and family violence, and works in a trauma-informed way that prioritises safety, empowerment, and respect.
Sarah’s approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. She creates a space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, make sense of their emotional world, and move toward meaningful and lasting change. She understands that life can feel overwhelming at times, and supports clients to reconnect with their strengths, values, and sense of direction.
Passionate about relationship work, Sarah supports individuals and couples to deepen emotional connection, navigate conflict, and develop healthier ways of relating, both to themselves and to others.
Sarah is available both in person and via Zoom on Mondays through to Saturdays as well as after hours by request.
Our Approach
Darling Therapy provides Psychotherapy and Counselling grounded in attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and relational psychotherapy. This means drawing from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma informed work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Therapeutic work focuses on both present-day symptoms and the deeper relational and emotional patterns that shape them. As we are located across the road from the beautiful Botanic Gardens, we are able utilize Walk and Talk Therapy when appropriate here at Darling Therapy. Walk and Talk Therapy offers a gentle alternative to the traditional therapy room. These walk and talk therapy sessions take place outdoors, allowing you to move, breathe, and talk in a more natural, relaxed setting. Walking side-by-side can make it easier to open up, particularly when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. It can also support nervous system regulation, reduce anxiety, and create space for reflection and clarity.