Consulting Days
Tues
Taking New Clients
Yes - limited
Client Age
16 years and over
Wait Time
3 weeks
Chris van Staden
Registered Psychologist
Clinical Psychology Registrar
Areas of interest
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Trauma experienced across the lifespan, including PTSD and complex trauma
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Supporting first responders and their families with the impact of high-stress work
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Anxiety and mood difficulties
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Grief and loss
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Substance use concerns
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Supporting neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and Autism
Qualifications
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Master of Clinical Psychology
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Honours in Science (Psychology)
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Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
About Chris
I am a registered psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar. I have a particular interest in working with people affected by trauma at any stage of life. I also have experience supporting first responders and their families through the high-pressure demands of their work. I enjoy working with neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD and Autism, with the aim of supporting you as you are rather than trying to make you more "typical".
I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Whatever approach we use, I believe strongly in seeing each individual I work with as a person, not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis, and I tailor therapy to their needs.
It can be disheartening to share your story with a psychologist, only to find they are not the right fit. That will always be a possibility, but the people most likely to suit my approach are those who want to take an active part in their own therapy. I aim to provide a therapeutic environment that is curious, understanding, focused and oriented towards the here and now. This is balanced with meeting you where you are at each session, and exploring things at a pace that feels right for you.
Chris's recommendations for supporting your own growth: how you can make therapy successful
Come as you are, but do so with intent
You don't need to have the right words or a clear plan before we start; working out what matters to you is part of the process. It is incredibly helpful, however, to think about what is concerning you, what you want out of therapy, and what you are ready and willing to engage with.
Notice your strengths
You've already found ways to cope with difficult things. We'll build on what's working, not just focus on what isn't.
Consistency works wonders
There is a kind of momentum to therapy that is most impactful when sessions occur regularly (especially early on) and when we practise the things we work on in therapy in our day-to-day lives. At the same time, life doesn't always cooperate with us, so let's call this one a therapy aspiration.
Make the most of the therapeutic relationship
I won't judge you. I will treat you first and foremost as a person worthy of dignity and respect, and I will listen with compassion and understanding. If you let me, I will also ask you the questions you might not ask yourself, and I will be honest and direct when needed. Being open to this side of therapy is worth its weight in gold.
Let's get to know Chris
Q. What is one of your favourite psychology approaches and why?
A. Like a diplomatic parent asked to name their favourite child, I don't have one. What I love is seeing meaningful change in the people I work with. For the right person, CBT achieves that exceptionally well. The same goes for EMDR, ACT, Schema Therapy, or any other approach.
Q. What drew you to a career as a psychologist?
A. I initially studied psychology because I found it interesting and wanted to use it as my undergraduate degree on the way to studying medicine. I can't pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere along the way interest turned into a passion (sometimes an obsession) and I never looked back. I have consistently been reminded throughout my life that I like to talk, so becoming a psychologist ended up being quite a good fit.
Q. Do you use psychology strategies in your everyday life?
A. Yes. All the time. And like many of my clients, I find the usefulness of psychological strategies to be both wonderful and infuriating. My clinical understanding of how and why abdominal breathing works is constantly clashing with the part of me that wants to be offended at the idea that "breathing good" will help with my problems.
Q. Favourite food?
A. I have lived in Australia since I was thirteen. Before that, I grew up in South Africa, and no amount of time here will ever overcome my love of biltong.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I have a seven-year-old German Shepherd called Kuma who is incredibly loving towards me and my family, and incredibly unloving towards everyone else. I also have a five-year-old domestic short-haired ginger cat called Bohdi. His loving nature is exceeded only by his lack of coordination.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I spend time with my wonderful family. If you asked them, they would say that I read way too much, adopt new hobbies like stray puppies, and enjoy playing chess despite being terrible at it.