About Darlene

Diana Ben (She/Her)| MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Child Psychotherapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Darlene is accepting new clients in May 2026!

Hi, I’m Darlene, and I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about me!

My work is rooted in helping children, youth, and adults better understand themselves and feel more grounded, especially when it comes to identity, emotional regulation, and navigating life transitions. I also explore how family dynamics, perfectionism, and intergenerational trauma can shape our experiences and sense of self, and how these patterns show up in our everyday lives.

I completed a double major in Mental Health Studies and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Toronto, and the obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. My background in anthropology continues to influence how I show up as a therapist. I deeply value understanding each person within their cultural context, as I am mindful of how culture shapes our beliefs, relationships, and sense of self.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with both children and adults, supporting clients through concerns like perfectionism, family conflict, and feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I draw from a mix of approaches, including Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Psychodynamic therapy. This means we can focus on building practical coping skills for the present, while also taking time to explore deeper patterns and past experiences when it feels helpful.

Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and genuinely welcome. I try to create a space that feels warm, collaborative, and even lighthearted at times, because therapy doesn’t always have to feel heavy to be meaningful. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, working together to navigate current stressors, unpack what’s been weighing on you, and build self-compassion and self-acceptance along the way.

MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

What Makes Me Stand Out

Education: 

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

    • Yorkville University

  • Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies (Major) and Cultural Anthropology /(Major)

    • University of Toronto

Memberships: 

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

    • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Certifications:

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Specialties: 

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Intergenerational Trauma(s)

  • People Pleasing

  • Self-Esteem/Self-Worth

  • Perfectionism

  • ADHD/ Neurodivergence

  • Cultural and/or Identity Concerns

  • Family Conflict

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Burnout/Stress

  • Grief and loss

  • Life Transition(s)

  • Coping Mechanisms

Populations: 

  • Children (5+)

  • Youth (11+)

  • Adolescence (15+)

  • Adults (18+)

  • Individuals

  • LGBTQ2S+

  • BIPOC

Sessions: 

  • Video

  • Phone

  • In-person

Languages Spoken: 

  • English

  • Twi (Beginner)